Australia’s first public vending machines offering free pads and tampons launch in Melbourne

Libraries, Tafes and hospitals among first 30 locations to have period product dispensers installed in Victorian government initiative

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Vending machines offering free pads and tampons will begin operating at the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building, as well as hospitals, libraries and Tafes, as part of an Australian-first government initiative aimed at ending period poverty.

On Thursday, the Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, will announce the first 30 locations where 50 vending machines will be installed as part of the pilot program, which also includes the Melbourne Immigration Museum, three Northern Health campuses, the Royal Women’s hospital in Parkville and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

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