Vending machines supplying free period products are being rolled out public bathrooms across Victoria, including in libraries, museums and hospitals.
The first phase will see 50 machines installed at 30 venues across Melbourne, before the scheme is rolled out across the state in women’s, gender neutral and accessible toilets.
“Pads and tampons are not a luxury – they’re a necessity. And women and girls should be able to access them whenever and wherever they need them,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
Sites in the first rollout include the State Library, Bendigo Kangan Broadmeadows, Northern Health Broadmeadows, Lalor Library, Coburg Library, Diamond Valley Library, the Arts Centre, Immigration Museum, Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building.
Initially the vending machines will include:
- 2 pack regular pads
- 2 pack super pads
- 8 pack regular tampons
- 8 pack super tampons
Eventually 700 sites will have vending machines, with more products available.
“Women spend thousands of dollars over their lifetime on these basic necessities – this nation-leading program provides cost-of-living relief for women while providing them the basic dignity they deserve,” said Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins.
While the initiative is welcome, it’s not the first of its kind. Charity organisation Share the Dignity has been working to end period poverty for almost a decade, and has installed 950 Dignity Vending Machines across Australia, providing free access to period products.
This includes 40 vending machines in Victoria, with one machine in a hospital dispensing 18,000 period products since 2019.
You can search for your closest Dignity Vending Machine here and your nearest state government vending machine here.
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