Victorians in Melton are set to benefit from the Allan Labor Government’s rollout of free pad and tampon vending machines – helping remove barriers to education, work and community life.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie today announced that new machines will be installed at Woodgrove Shopping Centre in July.

The rollout is now expanding across Victoria and women 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.

Once the rollout is complete, up to 1,500 free pad and tampon machines – both smart and battery-operated – will be available at more than 700 public locations across Victoria.

Sites will include regional libraries, hospitals, TAFEs, train stations and other community hubs.

Lack of access to period products is a real issue for women and girls in regional areas, where local services may be limited. It can affect health and wellbeing, school and work attendance, and social participation.

Councils across Victoria were invited to nominate sites for the machines – ensuring the rollout reflects the needs of communities right across the state.

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

The Labor Government’s free pads and tampons in public places program builds on our work delivering free menstrual products in government schools, as well as pelvic pain education.

A full list of locations is available at freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins

“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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Pads and tampons are not luxuries they are essential. As part of this groundbreaking initiative, free and accessible menstrual products will be available at Woodgrove Shopping Centre for all women and girls. This world leading program is delivering real change for women in Melton”