RAYMOND Terrace Library is now home to the region’s first ‘Share The Dignity’ vending machine.

These machines allow for the dispense of sanitary items and period packs to reduce period poverty for those in need in the community.

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Located in the library, the machine dispenses packs of six tampons and two pads to allow everyone fair access to these items.

Share the Dignity is a national charity working to end period poverty in Australia and is responsible for these machines.

Tracy Wickham, Corporate Relations Manager of Share The Dignity told News Of The Area, “At Share the Dignity we believe that access to period products is a right, not a privilege and that no woman or girl should ever have to choose between eating and living with dignity.

“Our Dignity Vending Machines allow those in need access to pads and tampons so that they can manage their period with the dignity they deserve.”

There are currently 243 machines operating across Australia dispensing period backs with many more planned.

This initiative is supported by the Woolworths Share The Dignity Drive which donates five cents from all pad, liner and tampon sales this August to help install and maintain more vending machines.

Port Stephens Council Library Services Manager Kris Abbot is proud to bring this wonderful initiative to Port Stephens.

“We know that there are people across Australia and our community that struggle to afford menstrual products each month.

“The Share the Dignity program is one way we can support our community and provide access to safe and hygienic menstrual products,” she said.

The machine operates at the Raymond Terrace Library women’s toilet and can be used by pressing the green button.

There is also a ten minute delay between dispensing period packs to help prevent misuse of the initiative.

By Tara CAMPBELL