HEADSPACE Swan Hill aims to break down the barriers for women with a bright pink vending machine.
The dignity vending machine was installed by charity Share the Dignity and dispenses free #PinkBox Period Packs at the push of a button.
Each pack contains six tampons and two pads and is accessible in a discreet location in the bathroom at Headspace Swan Hill.
The idea stemmed from Share the Dignity’s founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay, who dreamt of providing free period products without the need for an uncomfortable conversation.
Ms Courtenay said that when people were facing poverty, dealing with their periods should be the last thing on their mind.
“I was shocked to discover that people were using rolled-up toilet paper and hand towels to manage their periods,” she said.
“We could not believe that people were having to choose between feeding their family or buying period products.
“School children should not have to miss school to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to afford pads and tampons.”
Swan Hill’s vending machine is sponsored by a local champion and is regularly restocked by a local volunteer.
To ensure no products go to waste, each machine is programmed with a 10-minute delivery delay to ensure there is no misuse.
Headspace Swan Hill manager Kirsty Jacobs said Headspace was proud to be providing these much-needed products.
“We are so proud to be breaking down these barriers between access to period products and the people who need them,” Ms Jacobs said.
Each side of the vending machine includes a list of hotline telephone numbers for services that may be useful; these are also printed on the #PinkBox packaging.
To get more information or to support a dignity vending machine, visit the Share the Dignity website.
