Locations such as public hospitals, libraries, TAFEs, courts and train stations, are fitted with dispensers providing free period products.
Echuca library has a dispenser, and ERH has two dispensers near its cafe: one in the unisex accessible toilet and a second in the women’s bathrooms.
According to a survey of 153,000 Australians by Share the Dignity, 64 per cent of menstruators have struggled to afford period products due to cost, potentially detrimenting their careers, education and hobbies.
“It destigmatises menstruation because products are visible and freely available, so it's creating a culture where it's seen as more normal,” ERH health promotion team member Jess Hearn said.
“Promoting health and hygiene, preventing infection (caused by) using other products or using products for longer than what you're supposed to do.
“It's keeping people in the workforce and stopping them from being absent from work or sport or education as well.”
Now, in Echuca, access to products is as easy as pressing a button.
Each machine has the option of two or six packs of regular and super pads and tampons.
The machines are connected to an organisation’s Wi-Fi network, and sends an automatic notification when stock needs refilling.
Since the program’s launch in November 2024, over 90,000 packs have been dispensed, resulting in significant savings for Victorians — potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The $23 million program has been created through consultation with community health representatives, menstrual health experts, women’s health organisations and peak organisations representing Aboriginal Victorians, people from diverse communities, young people, LGBTQIA+ Victorians and people with disabilities.
“It's pretty simple, (there are) accessibility features like the Braille,” Ms Hearn said.
“It’s inclusive for everyone.
“Having it in an accessible area as well, we see that it’s not just women who menstruate.”
Across Campaspe Shire, there are dispensers at Echuca Regional Health, Echuca library, Rochester, Rushworth and Tongala customer service centres, Kyabram Fauna Park, Kyabram District Health Service and Goulburn Valley Health Waranga.
Community members can find more information about the program and locate other vending machines across Victoria by visiting betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons
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