Queensland schools invited to help share dignity

Education Minister Grace Grace is reminding schools across Queensland that expression of interests (EOI) to receive a Dignity Vending Machine that gives students access to free sanitary products at school close this Friday (25 February 2022). Minister Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was investing up to $2.5 million over three years in a partnership with the Share the Dignity charity to provide 120 state and non-state schools across the state with a Dignity Vending Machine as part of an election commitment. "We've been in touch with schools and have already had lots of interest – so this is a reminder to submit an EOI before Friday. Priority will be given to schools with the highest need," Ms Grace said. Up to 120 schools across Queensland will benefit from this program, with machines installed over 2 rounds. Schools will have another opportunity to apply for a Dignity Vending Machine through a second EOI later this year. Minister Grace said the partnership also means that all Queensland schools will 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. "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," Ms Grace said. "This initiative supports Share the Dignity's aim to distribute sanitary products to women, girls and anyone who menstruates and needs support, and to provide education to end the shame and stigma around periods." Ms Grace said everyone has the right to live with dignity and this initiative offers an opportunity to support vulnerable students in our school communities. "Students should not be distracted from their goals and school work when they have their period, simply because they do not have access to sanitary products," she said. "And even better, because the machines will dispense free period packs in an appropriate location in the school, students who need sanitary products will be able to access them easily and discreetly." Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the partnership with the Queensland Government on this initiative. "Schools play an important role in promoting menstrual health and normalising periods," Ms Courtenay said. "Changes like this can bring a cultural shift and mitigate the potential negative impact of lack of access to sanitary products and stigma around periods on young people's education." Schools can apply through the Share the Dignity in Queensland schools webpage at https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/end-period-poverty/dignity-vending-machines/qld-govt