To help close that gap, free pad and tampon vending machines are being installed at public sites across Victoria.
The statewide rollout was officially launched by the minister for women at TAFE Gippsland on May 1, with new machines now installed at the Bairnsdale and Warragul campuses. Barwon region is next in line.
“Period products are necessary but expensive, and not having access to them impacts women and girls in all sorts of negative ways,” state Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.
“Our program to provide free pads and tampons makes sense and will make a big difference for women and girls right across the region.”
The program kicked off in Melbourne last year, with 50 machines placed across 30 metro sites. In just six months, more than 25,000 free packs were dispensed — a clear sign that the demand is real.
By the end of the rollout, up to 1500 machines will be in place at more than 700 locations around the state. These include libraries, hospitals, TAFEs, train stations and other busy community spots.
The idea is to make period products easier to get, because limited access can have a ripple effect — affecting health, keeping people home from school or work and preventing them from taking part in daily life. It’s a real issue faced by women and girls in regional areas.
“Pads and tampons are not a luxury, they’re a necessity — this rollout means women and girls right across Victoria won’t have to miss work or school because they can’t afford them,” Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said.
To help make the rollout practical on the ground, councils were invited to suggest sites they felt would best serve their communities.
This initiative builds on earlier work providing free period products in government schools and is part of broader efforts to improve access to health and wellbeing support for women and girls.
“Inability to access sanitary products should never be a barrier to participation in education,” TAFE Gippsland acting chief executive Justin Fallu said.
“These new vending machines provide free and discreet access to essential period products, supporting dignity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all.”
For more details and a full list of locations, visit the Victorian Government website.
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