Inner West Council has announced it will install 10 free period product vending machines for women using Council’s facilities such as aquatic centres and libraries.
Deputy Mayor, Philippa Scott it was high time that products such as tampons and pads were treated just like toilet paper, towels and soap.
“Our Council is taking this progressive step which women have been demanding for years,” Cr Scott said.
“These products are not luxury items. They are everyday necessities which ought to be free to our community.
“I believe we are the first Council in NSW to offer this service and I call on other councils to follow suit.”
She made the comments at Ashfield Aquatic Centre where the first of the machines was installed.
The vending machines are also in:
- Ashfield library/Ashfield Service Centre
- Marrickville Youth Resource Centre
- Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre
- Marrickville Library
- Balmain Library; and
- Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre in Marrickville.
Three more venues are planned in coming weeks.
Council says the machines are state-of-the-art, allowing hands-free access to the products.
Patrons present their hand in front of a sensor. Once the hand is recognised a light comes on and the product is dispensed.
Each machine can hold 36 pads and 50 tampons. Pads can be 36 of the same kind or 18 each of two different kinds, for added choice. Machines will be restocked every two weeks.
