Commuters at Footscray and Newport stations can now access free pads and tampons after the expansion of program offering sanitary products in train station vending machines.
On Tuesday, 9 December, Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins visited Flinders Street Station to the launch the next stage of the statewide vending machine rollout which will eventually provide free, on-the-go access to sanitary products at up to 55 train stations.
“Whether you’re heading to work, school or home, no one should have their day disrupted because they can’t access a pad or tampon – our machines make sure help is there when it’s needed,“ Ms Hutchins said.
“Period products are essentials, so making them freely available in our busiest public spaces sends a clear message that location and financial situations are no longer a barrier.“
Along with Footscray, Newport and Flinders Street stations, vending machines have also been rolled out in bathrooms at Werribee, North Melbourne, Melbourne Central, Flagstaff and Essendon.
One in five women and girls report that they can’t afford the period products they need every month.
Since the launch of the program in November 2024, more than 310,000 free pad and tampon packs have been dispensed from more than 760 vending machines in public libraries, TAFEs, cultural institutions, sports centres, community facilities and hospitals across the state.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said given how busy they were, train stations were the next most obvious place for the vending machines to be located.
“Millions of Victorians are on the move across our public transport network every week – providing free period products at train stations means passengers can easily access essential products, where and when they need them,“ Ms Williams said.
Metro Trains head of stations Chloe Smith said the company was proud to be a part of the program.
“Vending machines are being installed in stations across the network for easy access by passengers,“ Ms Smith said.
To find an interactive map of pads and tampons vending machines along your commute, visit: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons.
