Update – 15 August 2025
Since this blog post was published, free pad and tampon vending machines are now available in all five of our library branches.

Last week, Sydenham Library hosted a State Government press conference, attracting media coverage from Channel 10 and Sky News. Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins, alongside Brimbank Mayor Cr Dang, celebrated the success of Victoria’s free sanitary pad and tampon program and announced its expansion to 90 more Melbourne locations.

The broader rollout builds on data from 50 trial machines across 30 Melbourne locations, including Sydenham Library. Community feedback has shown the program’s positive impact, especially for those facing financial hardship.

Minister Hutchins shared stories from our library staff about women who had used the dispensers – many of whom would otherwise struggle to afford these essential products.

Access to pads and tampons is a basic need, yet one in five women and girls find it difficult to pay for them.

The program will continue expanding to more Melbourne sites in the coming months, with dispensers also set to appear in shopping centre bathrooms across Victoria. In Brimbank, Keilor Library and Watergardens Shopping Centre are among the next locations to receive them.

In the meantime, Brimbank community members can access two dispensers at Sydenham Library, located in the female and accessible bathrooms.

For more information, visit the Free Pads and Tampons program website.

Click here to view the list of new venues to receive a vending machine.