Education Minister Grace Grace today announced that Yeppoon and Mount Morgan State High Schools are among the first 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.
“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.
“The Yeppoon and Mount Morgan SHS communities have shown their support for students and families with this initiative and the Palaszczuk Government is delighted to be a part of this great program.”
Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister Brittany Lauga said at the last election Queensland Labor made the commitment to give school students free access to sanitary products.
“I’m proud that we are delivering on that commitment to provide pads and tampons at 120 state and non-state schools across the state,” she said.
“I am so pleased that the Yeppoon State High School in my electorate of Keppel has been chosen as one of the schools to benefit.
“We work closely with Principal James O’Neill and his staff, and the students, and I know it will be greatly appreciated.”
Principal James O’Neill said he was delighted Yeppoon SHS was among the selected schools.
“This initiative supports our mission to inspire and achieve success through opportunities for all,” Mr O’Neill said.
“Access to sanitary produces should never be a hindrance to a student’s ability to attend school and focus on their studies.
“I’m very pleased to have this extra level of support for students, especially the vulnerable 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.”
