East Gippsland women and girls now have better access to free period products, thanks to the Victorian Government’s ongoing Pads and Tampons program.
Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas said the initiative, which has provided more than 500,000 pads and tampons since it began, is helping women stay at work, in school and involved in sport without interruption.
The program aims to install 1,500 machines across Victoria, with 1,000 already in place at 500 sites including libraries, TAFEs, train stations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, sports centres and hospitals. The remaining 500 machines are expected to be installed by the end of 2026.
“No woman or girl should be caught without pads and tampons when they need them,” Minister Thomas said.
“This is just one way we’re helping with the cost of living and making sure women and girls can continue participating fully in their communities.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous added, “Periods are a normal part of life — accessing period products should be just as normal. That’s why we’re making pads and tampons freely available across Victoria.”
One in five Victorian women and girls report struggling to afford period products. The program is aimed at reducing this financial burden while saving time and removing barriers to everyday life.
East Gippsland residents can locate the nearest free machine by visiting betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons
