More places in Brimbank will stock free pads and tampons vending machines as part of a state government program to ease the cost of living.
Women’s Minister Natalie Hutchins visited Sydenham library on Thursday morning to announce the next 90 venues across Melbourne that will install vending machines that dispense free period products.
A number of shopping centres, including Watergardens, will be part of this stage of the roll out.
Keilor library will also be part of the next stage of the roll out.
The new locations form part of the Labor Government’s statewide rollout of 1,500 smart and battery-operated machines in up to 700 venues.
Ms Hutchins said that period products are a basic necessity that they were making sure women and girls could get for free when and where they need them.
“This is about dignity, equality and making sure no one misses out on school, work or community life because of their period,” she said.
Mayor Thuy Dang said there had been two vending machines at Sydenham library providing free products since January.
“Our free pad and tampons vending machines have been very well used and valued by many women in the community who are struggling to afford period products,” she said.
“Recently, a local mum came to the library to collect free pads for her daughters. She told us that her family was in financial hardship, and they couldn’t afford to buy pads and tampons until their next payment.
“This mum was able to access enough pads from the vending machine to get both her and her daughters through their cycles and keep attending school.”
