Australian Enterprise Awards 2026 | 33 Darwin Laundries is proud to be a local Northern Territory (NT) business, boasting five state-ofthe-art laundromat locations across Darwin and Palmerston and the rural area, with a sixth store opening this year in Humpty Doo. Operating 365 days a year, the business offers some of the largest commercial washing machines and dryers available to the public in the NT, making it the go-to solution for everything from weekly washing to king-size bedding, duvets, pet blankets, and even horse rugs. We speak to Owner, Nicky Clark to learn more about the business and what keeps her so passionate about her work. “Laundry itself isn’t a glamorous or exciting subject, I’m the first to admit that,” Nicky begins. “No one wakes up thrilled about dirty socks and damp towels. But what is exciting, and what keeps me passionate after all these years, is the business behind the laundry.” She continues, “Running a laundromat is an ever-evolving challenge. I love the development side, staying ahead of technology, refining systems, improving efficiency, expanding locations, and finding new ways to make the customer experience smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable. That’s the part that energises me. And when it comes to marketing, I genuinely enjoy taking something as everyday as laundry and making it lighthearted, fun, and relatable. Humour and simplicity turn a chore into something customers feel good about, and that’s a core part of my brand personality.” Darwin Laundries genuinely enjoys serving its customers, who come from all walks of life and include busy families, shift workers, tradespeople, backpackers, Airbnb hosts, small businesses, and anyone with a laundry load too big – or too time-consuming – for home. Not only do they have access to pristine, functional self-service facilities, but the business has several locations available with dedicated machines for pet bedding and extralarge capacity washers. Convenience, accessibility, and trust remain at the core of its offering, as shown through bright, safe, air-conditioned spaces designed for a comfortable and seamless experience and having card and coin payment options available – because, as Nicky says, “Laundry shouldn’t be stressful; it should simply get done.” The business is committed to innovation and technology, with continuous upgrading of its systems, integrating smarter payment options, and using data to understand peak times, customer habits, and machine performance. Nicky tells us that tech gives the business the means to run more efficiently, respond faster, and deliver a smoother customer experience every day. Furthermore, Australia has its own sector-specific developments, particularly around energy efficiency, water usage, safety compliance, and pet-friendly washing solutions. It is in response to this that the business installed high-capacity, ecoefficient commercial machines, maintains strict compliance across all sites, as well as introduced its flagship service of pet bedding and horse blanket washers. “We make laundry effortless, accessible, and consistently reliable every single day of the year.” Not only does Darwin Laundries have an outstanding service and equipment offering, but it comes alongside an exceptional customer experience, which Nicky and the team deliver with human warmth and humour. They are always listening to customers’ needs, adapting services as required, responding rapidly to issues, and implementing the latest technology to ensure an entirely stress-free user experience. “At the core of everything we do is our purpose: to make life easier for our customers,” says Nicky. “We aim to give people a dependable place where washing gets done quickly, safely, and without fuss.” As Darwin Laundries looks ahead, it’s approach will remain focused on staying modern, staying visible, and staying customer-focused. As the industry evolves, it will always evolve with it, continuously improving its offering and turning trends into long-term success. The business is excited to be opening its sixth store in Humpty Doo this year, with Nicky saying, “Growth isn’t just about adding locations, it’s about choosing the right site, understanding local demand, and ensuring every new store meets the high standards that Darwin Laundries is known for.” She concludes, “The future for Darwin Laundries is all about smart, steady growth. We’re not racing to open everywhere, we’re choosing the right locations at the right time, based on real community need. In 2026, you’ll see more creative marketing, stronger online visibility, and continued investment in energy-efficient equipment and modern store design. “Long-term, it’s simple: growth thoughtfully, evolve constantly, and keep serving our communities well. We’re building something solid, modern, and genuinely useful, one spin cycle at a time.” Company name: Darwin Laundries Contact name: Nicky Clark Website: www.darwinlaundries.com.au Laundromat Business of the Year 2026 - Northern Territory
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