Free Pads And Tampons Coming To A Venue Near You

Victorians will soon be able to access free pads and tampons in every part of the state – as part of the Allan Labor Government’s efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures for Victorians.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins today announced the next 90 venues across Melbourne that will install vending machines that dispense free period products – including up to 18 shopping centres, a new initiative in addition to the existing rollout in public places.

The first shopping centres to receive machines are:

• Greensborough Plaza

• Pacific Epping

• Pacific Werribee

• Bayside

• Westfield Knox

• Broadmeadows Central

• Chadstone

• Northland Shopping Centre

• Highpoint

• Watergardens Shopping Centre

Shopping centres are among Victoria’s most-visited public spaces, making them ideal locations for expanding access to essential hygiene products.

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 – including shopping centres libraries, hospitals, TAFEs, staffed train stations and cultural institutions.

Women across Victoria have already saved thousands of dollars, with more than 25,000 packs of pads and tampons dispensed in the first six months of the program.

This initiative builds on the Labor Government’s nation-leading program that made Victoria the first state or territory in Australia to provide free pads and tampons in every government school – to reduce stigma, keep kids in class and ensure students never miss learning because they don’t have access to period products.

Insights from 50 trial machines across 30 Melbourne sites – including Sydenham Library – have helped inform the broader rollout. Feedback from community members has already shown the difference the program is making for people doing it tough.

Access to pads and tampons is a basic need, but one in five women and girls reported struggling to afford period products.

Periods are a part of life – but too often, those who can’t afford period products are left feeling embarrassed and excluded. Lack of access affects physical and emotional wellbeing, and can impact attendance at work, school, sport and other activities.

A full list of current locations is available and will be updated in real time at freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins

“Period products are a basic necessity – and we’re making sure women and girls can get them 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.”

Quotes attributable to Shopping Centre Council of Australia Chief Executive Angus Nardi

“Shopping centres play an important role in our communities and through this initiative we are committing to improving access to free sanitary products in accessible places in almost 20 shopping centres across Victoria.”

Next venues to receive machines: