The City of Launceston has invested $10,000 for the installation of a new Dignity Vending Machine in the CBD as part of a partnership with charity Share the Dignity and the Launceston Library.
The new machine has been installed following advocacy from City of Launceston Councillor Andrea Dawkins.
The Launceston Library will host the vending machine, located in the building’s ground floor accessible public toilet.
The machine dispenses free #PinkBox Period Packs to those in need, with each box containing six tampons and two sanitary pads.
Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said the machines were designed to help people to access free period products, without the anxiety and shame that many feel when having to ask someone else for help.
“I was shocked to discover that people were using rolled up toilet paper and hand towels to manage their periods,” she said.
“We could not believe that people were having to choose between feeding their family or buying period products.”
As a response, Share the Dignity leapt into action and created the Dignity Vending Machine.
The machines dispense free Period Packs at the push of a button and are programmed with a delivery delay of 10 minutes to ensure no Period Packs are wasted.
Since the first Dignity Vending Machine was installed in 2016, a further 280 machines have been installed across Australia, with the latest installed at the Launceston Library this week. Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Dignity Vending Machine offered those in need a free, convenient and discrete way to obtain period packs.
“With rising cost of living prices and many members of our community being challenged by housing instability or homelessness, initiatives like this are a small way to ease the burden of people doing it tough,“ Mayor van Zetten said.
“We thought carefully about a suitable location for the machine, and we are very grateful the Launceston Library has agreed to host it because of its central location and the fact it draws in the region of 1000 to 1200 visitors each day.
“I want to make special mention of Cr Andrea Dawkins, and I thank her for pursuing this project and advocating for its importance.”
Cr Dawkins said ‘period poverty’ — the lack of access to sanitary products — was a growing challenge, particularly among people from low socio-economic backgrounds and people experiencing homelessness.
“I hope having this machine in Launceston’s CBD will help break down the shame and stigma that can be associated with menstruation,” Ms Dawkins said.
“Those attending this facility can safely and privately access period products that can make a lifechanging difference.
“This may only be a small project, but initiatives like this can improve the lives of women, girls and those who menstruate, who may be experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or simply doing it tough.
“I’m pleased we’re able to launch this initiative during Homelessness Week.”
Launceston Library manager Garry Conroy-Cooper said the facility was proud to host the new vending machine
“The Launceston Library is a community hub and a safe place where everyone is welcome,” Mr Conroy-Cooper said.
“We’re really pleased to be able to offer this additional service on top of the diverse range of client experiences we already deliver at the Launceston Library.
“We hope it is something that benefits those in need, and serves as a reminder to people that libraries are about so much more than books — they’re about congregating, learning, socialising, supporting and engaging in your community.”
