Education Minister Grace Grace today announced the first five Ipswich 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.
"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."
Minister Grace 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," Ms Grace said.
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the vending machines were a safe, hygienic and convenient option.
"This is about ensuring we are supporting our girls and young women to have the very best access to healthy outcomes," Mr McCallum said.
"Sanitary products aren't luxury items – they're a necessity – and their use shouldn't be dependent on your wallet.
"These vending machines provide equity and they make a very real difference."
Redbank Plains State High School Principal Tom Beck said the school appreciated being selected to join the Share the Dignity program.
"This is a fantastic and practical program that will give our students discreet access to the sanitary products they might need during the school day," Mr Beck said.
"We don't want there to be any barriers, whether they be financial cost or individual embarrassment, to our students successfully engaging with their education."
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 first five Ipswich schools to receive a machine are:
- Bremer State High School
- Bundamba State Secondary College
- Redbank Plains State High School
- Rosewood State High School
- Westside Christian College Goodna
