Education Minister Grace Grace today announced the first four Fraser Coast schools to receive a Dignity Vending Machine, which provides access to free sanitary products at school, delivering on another Palaszczuk Government election commitment.
Minister Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was investing up to $2.5 million in a partnership with the Share the Dignity charity to provide 120 state and non-state schools across Queensland with a Dignity Vending Machine.
"It's great to be able to share this news with schools during Queensland Women's Week," Ms Grace said.
"Access to sanitary products and misplaced stigma around periods should never be barriers to learning.
"We want all students to be confident to attend school every day. Giving students access to free sanitary products can make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence.
"This initiative supports Share the Dignity's aim to distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.
"I am delighted we had so much interest from schools, with over 200 applying.
"From that we have selected 62: 53 state, 5 Catholic, and 4 Independent schools.
"For those schools that missed out this time around, or didn't get an EOI in, there will be another opportunity to apply for the remaining machines later this year."
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the partnership with Share the Dignity wasn't just about access to free sanitary products.
"The partnership also means that all Queensland schools have access to the Period Talk education program, which is designed to educate students in Year 5 to Year 8 about menstruation and the impact of periods," Mr Saunders said.
"This is a great initiative from the Palaszczuk Government to help young women".
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said that as a father of a daughter, this is a great initiative for Hervey Bay students that gives access to sanitary products at school when needed.
"The Palaszczuk Government has invested in safeguarding dignity for students who menstruate," he said.
"The availability of the Dignity Vending Machine's will ensure that menstruating students will have access to sanitary products when needed."
Hervey Bay State High School Principal Julie Learoyd said it was fabulous news that the school was a successful recipient of the initiative.
"We are very happy to receive a Dignity Vending Machine for our school as an important extra support for our students and families, in addition to our existing programs to provide groceries and uniforms in cases of genuine need," Ms Learoyd said.
"One of the biggest barriers for young students is 'having to ask' for sanitary products, so the Dignity Vending Machine will provide dignity and privacy by allowing students to access what they need in a discrete way without having to ask someone."
Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the announcement of the successful schools.
"Imagine a world where menstruation is not a barrier to education. I am so proud to see the installation of Dignity Vending Machines in Queensland schools to ensure students can easily access period products when they need them.
"I am also excited to be able to educate boys and girls on menstruation with Period Talk, our menstruation education program, which will help us create long term change and guide us towards a future where period is not a taboo word."
The list of the first four Fraser Coast schools selected to receive a machine are Aldridge State High School; Hervey Bay State High School; Maryborough State High School; and Urangan State High School.
