A Share the Dignity vending machine is now available at the Playford Library providing access to period products at no cost to the community. The machine is the first one in northern Adelaide with the next closest machine located at Modbury Hospital.

The vending machine is available at the Stretton Centre Library and distributes ‘pink packs’ which include six tampons and two pads. Mayor Glenn Docherty said the partnership with Share the Dignity is a step in the right direction for equal access in the community.

“Equal access to sanitary products helps to remove stigma, provide dignity and safety to alleviate period poverty for some of our most vulnerable members of the community,” Mayor Docherty said.

Period poverty is described as a lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, handwashing, and waste management. This can affect people’s emotional and physical health, as well as creating a barrier to participation in school, work, sports and socialising in public places.

A 2021 survey by Swinburne University showed that 1 in 5 Australians who menstruate had to improvise on period products with items such as toilet paper due to cost and accessibility.

The partnership for the Share the Dignity vending machine was led by Sarah Nelson, Digital Literacy and Programming Officer at the Playford Library.

“There should never need to be a choice between period products and food, nor should access to period products be a barrier to thriving,” Sarah Nelson states.

“The library is passionate about equal access and inclusion across our community, and we are grateful to Share the Dignity for the work they do and for choosing our community to benefit from this amazing initiative.”

The Share the Dignity vending machine is available in the Stretton Centre Library public toilet during library opening hours. The Stretton Centre Library is located at 307 Peachey Road, Munno Para.