Two Moreton Bay schools to share the dignity

Education Minister Grace Grace today announced the first two Moreton Bay schools to receive a Dignity Vending Machine that provides students access to free sanitary products, delivering on another Palaszczuk Government election commitment.

Minister Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was investing up to $2.5 million in a partnership with the Share the Dignity charity to provide 120 state and non-state schools across Queensland with a Dignity Vending Machine.

“It’s great to be able to share this news with schools during Queensland Women’s Week,” Ms Grace said.

“Access to sanitary products and misplaced stigma around periods should never be barriers to learning.

“We want all students to be confident to attend school every day. Giving students access to free sanitary products can make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence.

“This initiative supports Share the Dignity’s aim to distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.

“I am delighted we had so much interest from schools, with over 200 applying.

“For those schools that missed out this time around, or didn’t get an EOI in, there will be another opportunity to apply for the remaining machines later this year.”

Minister Grace said the partnership with Share the Dignity wasn’t just about access to free sanitary products.

“The partnership also means that 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,” Ms Grace said.

Member for Pumicestone Ali King said having a Dignity Vending Machine and Period Talk training at Bribie Island State High will be a big support to the wellbeing and mental health of our young people.

“Our Pumicestone community is hugely supportive of Share the Dignity, so it’s wonderful to see these important resources delivered in our very own Bribie Island High,” said Ms King.

Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said Deception Bay High has an incredibly high level of care for many vulnerable students, and it fits in well with the school ethos to be part of the Share the Dignity project.”

Bribie Island State High School Principal Sharon Cordiner said the announcement the school was to receive a Dignity Vending Machine was greatly appreciated by her and the whole school community.

“Having a Dignity Vending Machine at our school will provide a very private, dignified way of giving access to an important resource which supports female students in a really respectful manner,” Ms Cordiner said.

“A lot of our teachers advocated for this on behalf of our students, because we know how important it will be for our school community. It will help reduce the burden of life challenges some students face and assist in breaking down barriers in terms of equity.”

Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the announcement of the successful schools.

“Imagine a world where menstruation is not a barrier to education. I am so proud to see the installation of Dignity Vending Machines in Queensland schools to ensure students can easily access period products when they need them.

“I am also excited to be able to educate boys and girls on menstruation with Period Talk, our menstruation education program, which will help us create long term change and guide us towards a future where period is not a taboo word.”

The first two Moreton Bay schools to receive a machine are Bribie Island State High School and Deception Bay State High School.

Successful schools are now being contacted by the Department of Education and Share the Dignity. More information is available here.

Images of the machines available here

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211