MELBOURNE – Commuters across Victoria will now have access to free pads and tampons at major transport hubs, following the expansion of a state government initiative to install vending machines at up to 55 train stations.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins announced the next stage of the statewide rollout at Flinders Street Station today. The program aims to provide convenient access to essential sanitary items for travellers, addressing both emergency needs and cost-of-living pressures.
According to the government, vending machines have already been installed in bathrooms at several key stations, including:
- Flinders Street
- North Melbourne
- Melbourne Central
- Flagstaff
- Werribee
- Newport
- Footscray
- Essendon
Addressing Period Poverty and Accessibility
The initiative is designed to assist people who may be caught off guard while commuting, preventing disruptions to their day. It also targets “period poverty,” with data indicating that one in five women and girls report being unable to afford necessary products each month.
Since the broader program launched in November 2024, more than 310,000 packs have been dispensed. The government states this uptake has saved Victorian families hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“Whether you’re heading to work, school or home, no one should have their day disrupted because they can’t access a pad or tampon – our machines make sure help is there when it’s needed,” Minister Hutchins said.
“Period products are essentials, so making them freely available in our busiest public spaces sends a clear message that location and financial situations are no longer a barrier.”
Wider State Investment
This expansion is part of a $23 million investment by the Victorian Government to make period products freely available in public spaces. To date, more than 760 machines have been installed across the state in locations including public libraries, TAFEs, cultural institutions, sports centres, community facilities, and hospitals.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams highlighted the logic of placing these amenities within the transport network.
“Millions of Victorians are on the move across our public transport network every week – providing free period products at train stations means passengers can easily access essential products, where and when they need them,” Minister Williams said.
Metro Trains has supported the logistics of the rollout. Metro Head of Stations Chloe Smith confirmed that machines are currently being installed across the network to ensure easy access for passengers.
How to Find Locations
Commuters can locate the nearest vending machine along their route by viewing an interactive map available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons.
