Victorians will shortly be able to access free pads and tampons at even more of the state’s most iconic venues thanks to an expansion of the state government’s nation-leading program.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins joined the Melbourne Vixens on Monday to launch the expansion at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville, where three vending machines are already installed. It’s one of more than 20 major venues now providing free access to period products, including:
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens – Cranbourne
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
South Melbourne Market
Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne Cricket Ground
John Cain Arena
Rod Laver Arena
Margaret Court Arena
State Library Victoria
Melbourne Museum
IMAX Melbourne
Scienceworks
ACMI
Melbourne Recital Centre
IKON Park
Mission Whitten Oval
MARS Stadium
GMHBA Stadium
Royal Exhibition Building
North Melbourne Football Club Recreation Centre
Melbourne Immigration Museum
From sporting stadiums to museums, hospitals to TAFEs, thegovernment’s $23 million program is making it easier for women and girls to fully participate in public life – whether that’s work, study, sport or fun.
Since the launch of the program in November 2024, more than 90,000 packs have been dispensed – saving families hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Councils across Victoria were asked to help nominate venues, making sure products are available in every corner of the state. Victorians can find the nearest location using the interactive map at vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons.
