Supporting Women and Girls with Free Period Products

Published on 25 September 2025

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Period products are a basic need, but many people can’t always afford them. When that happens, it can mean missing school or work, feeling unwell, and even pulling away from friends and daily life. 

The Hamilton Library will provide free period products to those who need them most, supported by the Victorian Government’s $23million free pads and tampons in public spaces initiative. 

A period product dispenser/vending machine will be installed in the amenities at the back of the Library to support women and girls access free sanitary products when they are most needed. 

Southern Grampians Shire Council Senior Library Coordinator Kelly Pitt-Lancaster said the Library was looking forward to the machine’s installation. 

“The dispenser is being installed and made available for community in the first week of October,” said Ms Pitt-Lancaster. 

“The machine will be located at the back of the Library in the toilet facilities for convenience, privacy and ease of use. The period products will be free to ensure that those who need them most have access to vital menstruation products. 

“Pads and tampons are a necessity, not a luxury. Menstruating women and girls should be able to access them whenever and wherever they need them,” concluded Ms Pitt-Lancaster.  

According to a 2024 Share the Dignity survey, 64% of Australians who menstruate find it difficult to afford period products.  

As part of the statewide program, free tampon and pad dispensers are being installed in up to 700 public places around Victoria including public libraries, sporting facilities, TAFEs, public hospitals, major cultural institutions and more. 

These machines provide easy, discreet access to essential products—helping break down barriers to participation and promoting health, equity, and dignity for all. 

Find out more and see the full list of participating locations at freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au

 

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