AIG launches Umbakumba and Borroloola facilities

Project update:

Wednesday 19 November 2025

Remote laundries expansion: AIG launches Umbakumba and Borroloola facilities

In a powerful step forward for community-led health and employment in remote Australia, the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) has launched two new Remote Laundries – bringing the total to seven across the Northern Territory. This 100% Aboriginal-owned initiative continues to prove that when communities lead, outcomes improve - from job creation to better health and wellbeing, and stronger self-determination.

The Umbakumba laundry – the third on the Groote Archipelago – officially opened on 28 October, thanks to funding from the Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust. It now employ 6 local Aboriginal staff and has already completed over 260 laundry cycles, providing a vital service to the community.

Just weeks later, on 25 November, after two years of collaboration, a new laundry is opening in Borroloola, developed in partnership with Mabunji Aboriginal Corporation. This expansion reflects AIG’s commitment to partnering with local communities to build culturally appropriate, community-driven solutions that drive healthier, more resilient futures.

The success of these laundries is more than anecdotal. In Barunga, where AIG’s first laundry was established, scabies cases dropped by 60% following its opening. A cost-benefit analysis revealed that for every dollar invested, the healthcare system saved six dollars.

This year, Barunga’s facility reached a major milestone with the full transfer of operations to the Bagala Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) marking a new era of community ownership and independence.

Lowering the cost of installing a Remote Laundry would create a more sustainable, cost-effective and scalable solution that continues to meet the unique needs of even the most remote communities. A 100% off-grid model would eliminate the need for costly power upgrades (which can range from $80,000 to $400,000) and reduce annual operating costs by around $20,000.

With demonstrated impact and growing demand, AIG, alongside the Heart Foundation, are determined to seek the funding necessary to deliver this next-generation model in the coming years and help expand Remote Laundries more broadly.

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