Laundering in the Mines

Of the 2.1 million businesses in Australia, only ~0.6-0.8% are owned by Indigenous people, accounting for approximately 14,000 businesses, concentrated mainly in rural and remote communities. Sodexo Australia’s (Sodexo) investment in Indigenous businesses is a firm commitment as part of its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), with Sodexo seeking new Indigenous businesses to partner with and support the Supply Chain operations throughout Australia.

In late-2024, Dilti Laundry in Kalgoorlie was looking for large[1]scale Facilities Management and Energy and Resources companies in the Goldfields region to partner with to provide laundry services, to help broaden its service offerings through investment and business mentorship.

Sodexo responded to this call, knowing that partnerships and contracts with Indigenous suppliers can provide a foundation for the growth of their business across Australia. Sodexo also recognises the value that can be leveraged in creating opportunities for these businesses, the impact it has on their communities, and in creating generational wealth and economic independence.

Over the last 8 months, Sodexo’s Indigenous Affairs and Supply Management teams have worked closely with Dilti to understand their growth vision to increase their business capabilities and capacity.

Sodexo has supported the business to develop their laundry practices to ensure adherence to AS/NZS 4146:2000, and develop long-term relationships with freight, chemical and logistical suppliers to support ongoing operations into the future.

In turn, Dilti are working towards commencing laundry operations in the next 6 weeks for their first Energy and Resources site.

Sodexo have identified an initial tranche of three Sodexo sites within 30 kms of the laundry which are suitable for support by Dilti Laundry.

Sodexo are currently Dilti’s only client for the delivery of laundry services in Kalgoorlie, engaging with and supporting the business over the past 8 months. This staged mobilisation plan enables the business to grow organically, streamline their operational processes to deliver a quality service and supports the continued success of the business in the formative stages of operation.

Dilti Laundry have ambitious plans to expand and develop further capacity in the coming years, and Sodexo have identified a second tranche of Energy and Resources sites that could be supported by Dilti’s future expansion in the coming years. Sodexo will continue to engage with and support Dilti to identify the most appropriate timeline to grow their business, increase capacity and mobilise additional sites in a staged manner in agreement with Dilti.

This additional capacity will require additional financial investment, as well as an associated increase in staff members, with Dilti’s stated aim to employ Indigenous staff where possible and support the community in Kalgoorlie.

Sodexo is proud of our relationship with Dilti laundry over the last 8 months to support them in their early-stage development and growth and are excited by the outcomes that can be achieved together into the future.

Sodexo’s journey with the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) began in 2011, and our commitment to fostering meaningful change has only grown stronger. In the last four years alone, we’ve spent over $100 million with more than 50 Indigenous-owned businesses, reinforcing our dedication to supplier diversity and economic empowerment.

Our focus goes beyond numbers—we strive to build lasting partnerships with Indigenous businesses and vendors, creating a ripple effect of positive economic outcomes for communities across Australia.

To deliver on our RAP commitments, we actively prioritise direct recruitment, career pathways, relationship-building with Traditional Owners, community engagement, and nurturing Indigenous business partnerships. Together, we’re fostering shared success and lasting impact.