Education Minister Grace Grace today announced the first 10 North Queensland 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.
“These 10 schools were among 62 state, Catholic and independent schools from across the state selected to receive a vending machine.
“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.
“Ten school communities in North Queensland have shown their support for students and families with this initiative and the Queensland Government is delighted to be a part of this great program.”
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said this was an important initiative.
“Sanitary products aren’t luxury items – they’re a necessity,” he said.
“That’s why this is so important as it will help support vulnerable students at our region’s schools.”
Principal Heather Murry said she was delighted Kirwan State High School was one of the 10 North Queensland schools selected.
“Kirwan State High School encourages students to pursue excellence and this great program will help them do just that. Access to sanitary products should never be a barrier,” Ms Murry said.
“This support can be especially important for vulnerable students or those experiencing hardship.”
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 10 North Queensland schools to receive a machine are:
- Bwgcolman Community School
- Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers
- Good Shepherd Catholic College, Mount Isa
- Heatley Secondary College
- Kirwan State High School
- Pimlico State High School
- Radiant Life College Innisfail
- Spinifex State College, Mount Isa
- St Anthony’s Catholic College, Deeragun
- St Patrick’s College, Townsville
