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

Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, announced that Ararat Library, Lake Bolac Library and East Grampians Health Service at Ararat and Willaura now have vending machines installed as part of the Labor Government’s rollout of free pads and tampons across Victoria.

Women and girls across Victoria have already saved thousands of dollars, with more than 85,000 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.

Quote attributable to Martha Haylett, Member for Ripon

“"This rollout means women and girls right across our region won’t have to miss work or school because they can’t afford these essential items."