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Victoria continues its free period product revolution

By Riverine Herald

Mar 10, 2026

Echuca Regional Health’s Jess Hearn trials the vending machines set up across the hospital. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

It’s a familiar experience for women: that moment when your period arrives unexpectedly, and you’re searching through your bag for pads or tampons, only to find you don’t have any.

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Now, with over 1000 vending machines providing free period products across Victoria, the Victorian Government is addressing this common challenge for women and girls.

Last year, the bright orange vending machines providing free pads and tampons were installed throughout the Goulburn Valley, placed in public spaces such as hospitals, libraries and community centres across regional towns.

On Saturday, March 7, Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas announced over half a million products had been distributed from those vending machines across the state.

The government will continue expanding the program across the region over the next year, aiming to install 1500 machines statewide by the end of 2026.

"No woman or girl should be caught without pads and tampons when they need them,“ Ms Thomas said.

“This is just one way we’re helping with the cost of living and making sure women and girls can stay at work, in school and in sport.”

For more information, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons