Making pads and tampons accessible and free in the Hepburn Shire

Council is supporting the community by installing free pad and tampon vending machines at libraries and hubs across the Shire. 

Pads and tampons are not a luxury. They are essential to health and wellbeing. Victorians should be able to access them whenever and wherever they need to. That is why Council is partnering with the Victorian Government and making free pads and tampons available in our Shire. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that this initiative is about making period products free and accessible for anyone who needs them. 

“We are proud to be able to bring this initiative to our Shire and to make pads and tampons widely available. We are committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces that cater to the needs of all,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

You can now find Free Pads & Tampons vending machines at the Creswick Hub, The Warehouse – Clunes and Daylesford Library, with a vending machine to be installed at The Mechanics Trentham later this year. 

“We will continue to look at expanding the program to ensure access to these essential products,” said Cr Don Henderson. 

In November 2022, the Victorian Government announced a $23 million commitment to provide free pads and tampons in public places. Dispensing machines containing pads and tampons will be installed at up to 700 venues in Victoria over the next couple of years. 

To find other vending machine locations and to learn more about to program, visit the Better Health Channel website.