Education Minister Grace Grace today announced the first six Gold 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.
"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.
Youth Affairs Minister and Gold Coast MP Meaghan Scanlon welcomed the announcement and said this would make a huge difference for local students, allowing them to access free sanitary products easily and discreetly.
"Sanitary products aren't a luxury - they're a necessity," Minister Scanlon said.
"No student should have to go without access to sanitary products and put up with what is quite frankly a misplaced stigma.
"This is about giving our young students autonomy over their body, equal access to safe, clean products and the ability to fully participate in their school experience without any barriers.
"This is something that I'm not alone in being extremely passionate about, and I'm proud to be part of a government that has listened to the experiences of people around Queensland and is giving students the dignity they deserve."
Nerang State High School Principal Scott Ison said the initiative was a great opportunity and that he had been keen to get the school involved.
"We live in a day and age where all women should have access to sanitary products in a dignified way, never losing sight of the fact that high school students really are developing young adults and deserve to be given choices and respect," Mr Ison said.
"I thank my staff and all involved in providing the Dignity Vending Machine because having a dignified and respectful approach is where everything starts with 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 first six Gold Coast schools to receive a machine are:
- Helensvale State High School
- Nerang State High School
- Ormeau Woods State High School
- Pacific Pines State High School
- Pimpama State Secondary College
- Southport State High School
