We’re still over the moon about this!
Earlier this year, our team at Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) was selected to take part in the Heart Foundation’s Catalyst Partnership Grant, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch our Remote Laundries Project to a room full of high-value donors and investors, who were all passionate about improving heart health across Australia.
The Catalyst Partnership Grant is a national initiative by the Heart Foundation that funds bold, innovative ideas aimed at transforming heart health outcomes. It connects changemakers with generous donors to help bring ideas to life and as David Lloyd, the CEO of the Herat Foundation, put it, it’s “like Shark Tank for cardiovascular health!” And just like that, our team was on the stage, ready to make waves.
But before we could pitch, there was a whole journey leading up to that moment.
Our road to the Catalyst began back in July 2024 when we submitted an expression of interest. This outlined the vision and impact of the Remote Laundries Project and our pitch for the 100% off grid model, how it works, why it matters, and how it supports better heart health outcomes in remote communities across the Top End.
Out of over 220 expressions of interest, yes, two hundred and twenty! only 60 organisations were invited to submit a full Catalyst Grant application. We were lucky enough to be one of them!
From there, just 20 finalists were selected to travel to Melbourne and present a 10-minute pitch, with an investment case provided as supplementary information to be considered by the review panel, live on the 25th of March 2025. Our incredible CEO, Elizabeth Morgan-Brett, and independent board director, Lachlan McKenzie, teamed up to deliver the presentation of a lifetime. You can watch their full pitch HERE.
We’re so proud of what they delivered and deeply grateful to every single person who helped us get to that stage. From our team to our community and supporters, thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Then came the wait…
From the 20 finalists, 10 would be chosen as Catalyst Awardees and receive $100,000 each from the Heart Foundation to help bring their ideas to life. These funds not only accelerate innovation but also attract future donors and champions to amplify the real-world impact of each project.
And in June… the news came in, we made it!
We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of the top 10 awardees. This $100,000 will go directly toward trialling our first 100% off-grid Remote Laundry, a model that could revolutionise access for communities where consistent and reliable power and water supply isn’t guaranteed. It’s a bold next step for us, and one we’re proud to take.
Our 100% Off-Grid Remote Laundry model was first envisioned in 2023 as a way to bring clean clothes and better health outcomes to communities without reliable access to power or water. Developed in collaboration with CSIRO and informed by discussions with the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, the model combines a solar and battery-powered energy system with a smart water recycling design that reduces or eliminates the need for main water systems. This innovation opens doors for laundries to be delivered anywhere in Australia. Before rolling it out, we’re taking the time to test the prototype thoroughly at our Casuarina site, monitoring solar efficiency, filter durability, and chemical removal to ensure long-term sustainability and reliability. This prototype is crucial in the process to ensure that this model is reliable and realistic. Historically, like many other Aboriginal Corporations, AIG has rushed into delivering solutions. AIG has since grown into an organisation that ensures that we deliver products and services to a high standard, underpinned by appropriate consultation, appropriate review and testing of our assumptions and a rigorous approach to development before launch.
This means taking our time in the process for the 100% off-grid model.
This opportunity as a whole was more than just funding, it was recognition. It showed us that people are listening, that they care about remote communities, and that there’s a place for Indigenous-led solutions on the national stage.
We’re honoured. We’re energised. And we’re just getting started.
