Campaspe Shire Council is part of a Victorian Government program providing free menstrual pads and tampons via vending machines at various public locations across the state.
For some people, menstrual products are a luxury they cannot afford – and a lack of access to appropriate products can have significant negative impacts across many areas of their lives.
It can affect physical and mental health, and make it difficult to take part in education, employment, exercise and social activities.
This initiative, which started with a successful pilot program, is now being rolled out statewide with the goal of installing 1500 machines at up to 700 sites.
The locations include public hospitals, TAFEs, law courts, libraries, staffed train stations and major cultural institutions.
Vending machines have been installed across Campaspe Shire Council’s customer service centres at Rochester, Rushworth and Tongala and the Echuca library.
The rollout is on hold at the Kyabram service centre due to the current lack of space in the public amenities.
Echuca library’s Jenny Mustey, who is championing this project for council, said it was important that everyone had access to menstrual products regardless of their financial situation.
“This simple but impactful measure can prevent missed school, work, or social opportunities, making public spaces more inclusive and supportive for all,” she said.
The vending machines do not require mains power to run.
The provider can keep tabs on each machine’s battery life and stock levels remotely via each centre’s wi-fi connection and will also be responsible for refilling the machines as required.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell welcomed the program and said council was committed to helping put an end to period poverty.
“These products should be readily available for everyone wherever and whenever they need them — and that’s why council is proud to be able to help where we can.”
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