City of Melbourne Council has announced an extension of its free period care pilot program until 30 June 2023 as part of its continuing effort to alleviate period poverty.
Since the launch of the trial in September 2021, more than 6,700 period care products have been dispensed from vending machines across six Council-owned facilities at.
“We’re pleased to be extending our Free Period Care Program and look forward to working alongside the Victorian State Government to end period poverty in Victoria,” said Health, Wellbeing and Belonging portfolio lead Councillor, Dr Olivia Ball.
Council says around 15% of Victorian females have been unable to afford period products at some stage in their lives, due to challenges such as poverty, homelessness, domestic violence and inflation.
“Periods are a part of life. It’s time to remove the stigma and shame that surrounds menstruation,” said Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.
“We’re doing what we can to make managing periods easier and more accessible for all Melburnian girls, women and people who menstruate.
“By providing free access to pads and tampons at six of our libraries, recreation centres and other Council-owned facilities, we hope to reduce the social, financial and personal impacts affecting the one in five Australians who face period poverty.
“We hope to continue to extend and expand the program – to create a greater sense of menstrual equity in Melbourne.”
