Ensuring menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, Education Minister Grace Grace visited Pioneer State High School last week and welcomed the installation of the school’s Dignity Vending Machine to provide students access to free period products at school.
The vending machine is aimed at ending the shame and stigma surrounding periods, in conjunction with Period Talk, a menstruation education program.
Minister Grace said Pioneer State High School is among two schools in Mackay, and one of 62 state, Catholic and independent schools across the state to receive a vending machine in the first round of the initiative.
“I was delighted to announce during Queensland Womens’ Week in March that the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on the first 62 Dignity Vending Machines to schools as part of our $2.5 million partnership with Queensland charity Share the Dignity,” Ms Grace said.
“It’s great to see the machine being installed at Pioneer State High School so students can continue to focus on learning and reaching their goals without worrying about access to period products.”
Minister Grace also visited Mackay State High School to see another Dignity Vending Machine in action.
“I know the machines will make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence,” Minister Grace added.
“The partnership means 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.”
Pioneer State High School Principal Lisa Veney said she was delighted the school was receiving a Dignity Vending Machine.
“Pioneer State High School is a welcoming and inclusive school community which supports students in their learning as well as their health and well-being,” Ms Veney said.
“Students are better able to meet all of their goals at school while they feel supported in all areas of their life.”
Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the installation of the vending machines at Pioneer State High School and in schools across Queensland.
“I am so proud to know that students at schools with a Dignity Vending Machine will be able to access free period products at the push of a button,” Ms Courtenay said.
“Not only will this help us ensure menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, it will help us end the shame and stigma surrounding periods as the schools also receive Period Talk, our menstruation education program.”
School Caption for Pioneer State High School Alyssa McClarty, Education Minister Grace Grace and Vice School Captain Alarna Wilson with the school’s new Dignity Vending Machine
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