More than 20,000 free packs of pads and tampons have been accessed by Victorians across metropolitan Melbourne, marking a visible start to the Allan Labor Government’s $23 million menstrual health initiative.
The first 30 smart vending machines are now up and running in public locations, offering women free menstrual products as part of a broader rollout expected to reach more than 700 sites across the state. The program, which has been described as a practical response to cost-of-living pressures and access inequality, is being implemented by Affinity Outdoor and supported by Cape Solutions.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said the early uptake showed the real need for this kind of access. “Access to period products is a right, and nobody should be without the essentials. We’re helping Victorian women struggling with the cost of living by providing free access to pads and tampons across Victoria.”
The vending machines are more than basic dispensers. Equipped with sensors and inventory tracking, they are designed to ensure supply is regularly maintained. Affinity Outdoor, which is managing the installation and ongoing operation of the machines, is a company led entirely by women at the senior management level and has a workforce that is more than 90 per cent female.
“At Affinity Outdoor, our female-led team challenges norms every day,” said founder and managing director Michelle Davis. “This leadership structure not only reflects our commitment to gender diversity but also demonstrates the incredible talent and expertise women bring to every aspect of our business.”
The pads and tampons are packaged by Cape Solutions, a disability support organisation that has developed a dedicated clean room to carry out the task. The clean room is isolated from the rest of the building and includes a PPE-equipped environment to ensure hygiene standards are maintained. Cape Solutions has also invested in specialist equipment to support this contract.
“Cape Solutions is proud to be involved in this Victorian initiative, which mirrors our core values that no individual should face any form of disadvantage,” said partnerships manager Aimee Burton.
The Allan Government has pitched the program as an extension of its previous work in providing menstrual products in government schools and supporting pelvic pain education. For many, this is a much-needed expansion into public places, where access to sanitary products can be unpredictable or simply unaffordable.
That point is not just anecdotal. Data from Share the Dignity’s Big Bloody Survey found that 64 per cent of respondents had struggled to afford period products at some point. The survey has become a touchstone for advocates pushing for greater accessibility and a stronger government response.
This early Melbourne rollout has focused on locations close to public transport hubs and community spaces. The broader expansion will cover regional centres, public libraries, sports venues, community centres, and other high-traffic areas.
While the focus has rightly been on access and dignity, the program is also a window into the state’s evolving social infrastructure. Rather than a top-down delivery model, the project brings together small enterprises, female leadership, disability support organisations, and public health priorities in one policy execution. It’s a rare blend in government delivery, and possibly a template for future services.
The $23 million funding allocation was announced as part of the Labor Party’s election commitments, with this early rollout fulfilling part of that promise. As the machines continue to be installed throughout Victoria, community response and usage data are expected to guide future placement and restocking cycles.
For now, the numbers speak for themselves. More than 20,000 packs distributed. Thirty machines installed. A workforce led by women, supporting women.
Victoria may not be the first jurisdiction in the world to offer such a program, but it’s setting a pace few others are matching.
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🩸Victoria’s $23m #menstrualhealth rollout begins with 30 free vending machines across Melbourne. More than 20K pad & tampon packs distributed already. Female-led teams & disability support orgs driving this dignified, inclusive initiative.💪#TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/PwPA38BkqZ
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) April 15, 2025
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