“A necessity, not a luxury”: Hamilton Library set to install dispenser for free pads and tampons
A new vending machine installed at Hamilton Library is part of a state government program aiming to make sanitary items more accessible in public spaces.
Zara Cuthbertson
September 25, 2025
Hamilton Library will soon provide free period products to women and girls, making essential sanitary items more accessible to the local community.
A period product dispenser will be installed in the library’s amenities in the first week of October, allowing visitors to access pads and tampons discreetly and conveniently.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Senior Library Coordinator Kelly Pitt-Lancaster said the library was proud to support women and girls in the region.
“Pads and tampons are a necessity, not a luxury. This machine ensures those who need them most can access vital products,” she said.
The dispenser will be located at the back of the library in the toilet facilities, providing privacy and ease of use.
The library hopes the service will prevent local students or workers from missing school or work due to lack of access to period products, and to support overall wellbeing.
Other locations in West Vic offering free period products are:
Apollo Bay library
Great Ocean Road Health - Apollo Bay
Ararat Library
East Grampians Health Service - Ararat
Sovereign Hill
Ballarat Library
Grampians Health - Ballarat
Colac Area Health
Colac Library
Lake Bolac Library
Beaufort and Skipton Health Service