Monday 10 February 2025
Clean sheets, healthy hearts: Aboriginal Investment Group and Heart Foundation thrilled with Remote Laundries announcement
Twelve new or upgraded Remote Laundries will help First Nations communities drive down Rheumatic Heart Disease and Close the Gap
The Aboriginal Investment Group and the Heart Foundation congratulate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his announcement today of funding for 12 remote laundries in the Northern Territory and Central Australia, as part of the Prime Minister’s Closing the Gap speech in Parliament.
The funding is a vital initiative that will help reduce the prevalence of scabies infections that contribute to a form of heart disease, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), that can be fatal to young people in First Nations communities if left untreated.
Funding for a rollout of Remote Laundries was a key ask in the Aboriginal Investment Group and the Heart Foundation’s joint 2025-26 Federal Budget submission.
RHD is entirely preventable yet remains a significant cause of illness and death among First Nations people. Scabies infections are a key trigger for rheumatic fever, which can lead to RHD.
Scabies forms and is easily spread in close-quartered, low-hygiene living conditions. A working laundry allows bedding and clothing to be regularly washed, thereby preventing scabies infections.
Comments attributable to Aboriginal Investment Group CEO, Elizabeth Morgan-Brett
“The Aboriginal Investment Group’s Remote Laundries Project welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement today, committing to fund the build of 12 new or refurbished Remote Community Laundries in the Northern Territory.
“The Aboriginal Investment Group in conjunction with our key partner, the Heart Foundation has a shared vision of eradicating the diseases that lead to acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in remote Aboriginal communities.
“Our AIG Remote Laundries Project is an Indigenous led, proven solution to improving the health of Aboriginal Australians, whilst driving employment, and we look forward to expanding our Remote Laundries Project across the NT.”
Comments attributable to Heart Foundation CEO, David Lloyd
“The Heart Foundation is thrilled that more First Nations communities will be able to access a Remote Laundry to significantly drive down scabies infections that lead to Rheumatic Heart Disease.
“Ensuring that First Nations communities have access to clean clothes and bedding is a simple yet powerful step in breaking the cycle of infection and reducing the burden of RHD.
“This funding commitment is an important recognition that social determinants of health—like hygiene and housing—are directly linked to life-threatening heart disease.”
For more information on Rheumatic Heart Disease visit: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/blog/history-of-rheumatic-heart-disease
For more information on AIG’s Remote Laundries Project visit here: https://www.remotelaundries.org.au/
ENDS
Media enquiries
Shaun Inguanzo
M: 0404 769 054 E: media@heartfoundation.org.au
Key Facts:
The Aboriginal Investment Group and the Heart Foundation congratulate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his announcement today of funding for 12 remote laundries in the Northern Territory and Central Australia, as part of the Prime Minister’s Closing the Gap speech in Parliament.
Contact details:
Shaun Inguanzo
0404 769 054
media@heartfoundation.org.au
