Prototype
Pakkimjalki Kari
Named in Warumungu language by Elder Dianne Stokes
Commercial-grade Speed Queen base, one-button operation, named in Warumungu language. Currently in prototype with communities.
Health Hardware
A washing machine isn't convenience — it's cardiac prevention. Clean bedding breaks the scabies cycle that leads to Rheumatic Heart Disease.
About Pakkimjalki Kari
One Alice Springs provider sells $3 million per year of washing machines into remote communities. Most end up in dumps within months. Consumer-grade machines aren't built for remote conditions — extreme heat, dust, hard water, and no access to repairs. Communities cycle through cheap machines that fail in 1-2 years, while commercial laundromat machines last 10-15. Pakkimjalki Kari starts with a Speed Queen commercial washer — the same machines that survive thousands of cycles in laundromats — and adapts it for remote community use. Recycled HDPE plastic housing panels (made from the same material as Stretch Bed legs) protect the machine from dust and the elements. Elder Dianne Stokes named it "Pakkimjalki Kari" in Warumungu language. This isn't just branding — it reflects community ownership of the design process.
The Problem
$3M/yr
washing machines sold into remote communities that end up in dumps
Alice Springs provider
59%
of remote homes lack working washing machines
FRRR, 2022
1-2 yrs
lifespan of consumer machines in remote conditions (vs 10-15)
East Arnhem Spin Project
1 in 3
children have scabies at any time — linked to dirty bedding
PLOS NTD
Why Commercial-Grade
Built for Remote Conditions
Heat
Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Commercial components handle thermal stress that melts consumer internals.
Dust
Red dust infiltrates everything. Recycled plastic housing panels protect the machine from the environment.
Water
Bore water with high mineral content causes rapid buildup. Commercial units tolerate hard water far better.
Power
Remote power grids fluctuate. Industrial motors handle voltage variation that burns out consumer electronics.
Want to be part of this?
Whether you're a community that needs reliable washing machines, a funder who wants to support the prototype stage, or someone with technical expertise — we'd love to hear from you.
Community voices
“They truly wanna a washing machine to wash their blanket, to wash their clothes, and it's right there at home.”
“Scabies often leads to Rheumatic Heart Disease, so washing machines are essential to be able to clean infected clothing, bedding and towels.”
“Working both ways — cultural side in white society and Indigenous society.”
From prototype to community
A washing machine isn't convenience — it's health hardware.
Register your interest and we'll let you know when Pakkimjalki Kari is available, or when we have testing results to share.