Free pads and tampons are now available at Council's recreation and leisure facilities, including:
- Hurstbridge Community Hub
- Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre, Greensborough
- Eltham Leisure Centre
- Diamond Creek Community Centre
- Community Bank Stadium, Diamond Creek
The items are dispensed via vending machines that have been installed as part of the Victorian Government's Free Pads and Tampons Program. More than a thousand vending machines have been rolled out throughout the state.
Mayor Naomi Joiner said pads and tampons are a necessity that should be accessible to anyone who needs them. Not having access to period products can affect physical and mental health, and limit participation in education, employment and social activities.
"The dispensers will benefit anyone who requires a pad or tampon because period products are not a luxury, and no one should ever feel embarrassed or excluded because of their period," Cr Joiner said.
"We're pleased to see the vending machines installed across our facilities and encourage anyone who needs to access the products to do so," she said.
