December 26th, 2025Pads and tampons available at stations

Victorians can now access free pads and tampons at train stations thanks to an expansion of the state government’s nation-leading program – supporting commuters when they need it most.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins has announced the launch of the next stage of the statewide vending machine rollout which will give commuters convenient access on-the-go at up to 55 train stations.

Vending machines have been rolled out in many train station bathrooms including Flinders Street, North Melbourne, Melbourne Central, Flagstaff, Werribee, Newport, Footscray and Essendon.

Train stations are among Victoria’s busiest public spaces. People can be caught off guard while they travel, and access to free pads and tampons can make the difference between getting on with the day comfortably or heading home abruptly.

One in five women and girls report that they can’t afford the period products they need every month. Since the launch of the program in November 2024, more than 310,000 packs have been dispensed – saving families hundreds of thousands of dollars.

More than 760 free pad and tampon machines have been installed in public libraries, TAFEs, cultural institutions, sports centres, community facilities and hospitals.

To find an interactive map of pads and tampons vending machines along your commute, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons.