Mackay students Share the Dignity

Education Minister Grace Grace today visited Pioneer State High School and welcomed the installation of the school’s Dignity Vending Machine to provide students access to free period products at school.

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, which was a Palaszczuk Government election commitment.

“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.

“I’ve also visited Mackay State High School on this trip to see another one of these fantastic Dignity Vending Machines 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.

“We had so much interest from schools, with applications received from over 200 across the state.

“Fifty-three state, 5 Catholic and 4 independent schools were selected to receive a machine in the first round.

“The program has been highly successful and we are currently looking at opportunities for further expansion.

“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.”

Assistant Health Minister and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Palaszczuk Government’s GPs in Schools Pilot program is also providing health benefits to students.

“The GPs in Schools Pilot is providing secondary students in 50 Queensland state schools with free access to a doctor on school grounds one day per week,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This is part of our $100 million Student Wellbeing Package, which will also see up to 464 additional psychologists and similar wellbeing professionals employed in Queensland schools over the next three years.”

Sarina State High School in the Mackay region recently launched its GPs in Schools clinic.

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.

“The whole school is welcoming of this marvelous initiative.”

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.”

More information is available at https://qld.gov.au/sharethedignityinschools

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0434 575 237