Education Minister Grace Grace today announced the first four Far North Queensland schools that will receive a Dignity Vending Machine to provide students 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.
“From that we have selected 62: 53 state, 5 Catholic, and 4 Independent schools.
“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.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui 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 Lui said.
“Everyone has the right to live with dignity and this initiative provides free period packs in schools where they are most needed.
“Importantly, students who need sanitary products will be able to access them easily and discreetly.”
Mareeba State High School Principal Scott Whybird said the school welcomed the opportunity to join the Share the Dignity initiative.
“We applied to join the program so we can give our students every support they need to participate at school every day,” Mr Whybird said.
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 Far North Queensland schools selected to receive a machine from this round are Mareeba State High School; Northern Peninsula Area State College; Trinity Bay State High School; and Woree State High School.
