Now, with more than 1000 vending machines providing free period products across Victoria, the Victorian Government is addressing this common challenge for women and girls.
Last year, the bright orange vending machines providing free pads and tampons were installed across the region, placed in public spaces such as hospitals, libraries and community centres across regional towns.
Among those locations are Rochester customer service centre and library and Rochester and Elmore District Health Service has two dispensers, one in the unisex accessible toilet near reception and a second in the women’s bathroom near the Yalukang Aged Care reception.
On Saturday, March 7, Women’s Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced over half a million products had been distributed from those vending machines across the state.
The government will continue expanding the program across the region over the next year, aiming to install 1500 machines statewide by the end of 2026.
"No woman or girl should be caught without pads and tampons when they need them,“ Ms Thomas said.
“This is just one way we’re helping with the cost of living and making sure women and girls can stay at work, in school and in sport.”
For more information, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons
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