Newcastle’s Young Parents’ Hub is the latest location in the Hunter to boast a Dignity Vending Machine (DVM), providing access to free period products for locals in need.
It’s the seventh DVM, affectionately known as Pinkboxes, installed across the region – with others at the Wickham Samaritans Foundation, Maryland Neighbourhood Centre, Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre, Soul Café, Cessnock High and Kurri Kurri High – supporting more than 2,300 people experiencing period poverty to date.
Young Parents’ Hub manager Bronwyn Thoroughgood said the DVM would help to minimise barriers that their young parents experience when trying to complete their education.
“We provide a safe environment free from judgement, shame or stigma, where our young parents are celebrated for their strength and determination to transform their lives,” she explained.
“To know that Share the Dignity recognises and supports their dedication to complete their education and transform their future for them and their child is lifechanging.
“The support that a Pinkbox will provide for our community will be immense and far-reaching.”
The Pinkbox dispenses free packs of six tampons and two pads, with a programmed delay of 10 minutes to ensure no packs are wasted.
Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay said this latest installation at the Young Parents’ Hub would extend the support for locals in the Hunter who may be facing tough times.
“We know that the region was particularly affected by the recent floods and for many who were forced to evacuate their homes, managing their periods is the last thing on their mind,” she added.
“We anticipate that this, coupled with the end to JobKeeper payments, is going to drive an even greater demand for support services like our Dignity Vending Machines.
“We believe access to period products is a right, not a privilege, and we are proud to support the Young Parents’ Hub community with a Pinkbox, as they navigate an already challenging time in their life.”
This Pinkbox was funded by comedian and social media sensation Christian Hull and his mother, Karen.
Christian has raised more than $18,000 for Share the Dignity over the past two years, funding the installation of two DVMs.
Dignity Vending Machines can be found at:
- Young Parents’ Hub, 98 Georgetown Rd, Waratah NSW 2298
- Samaritans Foundation, Wickham
- Maryland Neighbourhood Centre, 207 Maryland Dr, Maryland NSW 2287
- Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre, 65 Carrington St, West Wallsend NSW 2286
- Soul Café, 2/49 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300
- Cessnock High School, Aberdare Rd, Cessnock NSW 2325
- Kurri Kurri High School, Deakin and Stanford Streets, 11 Deakin St, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327
Share the Dignity has now installed 225 DVMs across Australia, with an additional 12 planned by the end of April.
Those interested in donating can do so by visiting www.sharethedignity.org.au
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