Living Learning Pakenham recently welcomed the Minister for Health. The visit was to see the new innovative program addressing period poverty in the community.
Pakenham MP Emma Vulin joined Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas for a visit to Living Learning to see the newly established free pads and tampons vending machine.
The neighbourhood house is one of four locations in Pakenham with the machines, and among 700 venues across the state.
The program is the first in the country to provide free pads and tampons in public facilities, ensuring period products are provided as a natural need rather than a luxury.
“A lack of access to appropriate period products can have significant negative impacts across many areas of people’s lives, affecting physical and mental health and making it difficult to participate in education, employment and social activities,” Ms Vulin said.
This rollout follows the state becoming the first to provide free access to period products in every government school.
A 2024 survey by Share the Dignity found more than 60 per cent of respondents struggled to afford period products due to cost.
The aim of the state government program is not only to provide a basic need but also to eliminate the stigma. The 2024 survey found that a majority of respondents missed out on activities such as sport due to a lack of access to appropriate period products.
The four locations in Pakenham with free pads and tampons vending machines are Living Learning Pakenham, Pakenham Library, Cardinia Life and Cardinia Cultural Centre.
