Photo caption: Glen Innes High School Principal Adam Forrester, left, with Education Minister’s Student Council member Phoebe Vimpany and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall pictured last year when Phoebe was appointed and set about having free period products made available in every NSW public school.
Wednesday, 25 January 2023
Local student’s advocacy to thank for new initiative
PUBLIC school students across the region will return to the classroom next week with access to free menstrual hygiene products, thanks to a new initiative by the State Government, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall said more than 4,600 dispensers had also been installed in public schools across the State to support young women overcome barriers in accessing menstrual hygiene products.
“Getting your period should not be a barrier to education,” Mr Marshall said.
“I want young women in our region to feel comfortable in knowing they have access to free sanitary products when they need them, in their own school.
“Evidence shows that providing sanitary items has a very positive impact on educational engagement and attainment, so I know this program is going to make a huge difference to the education of our local students.”
Mr Marshall acknowledge and praised Year 10 Glen Innes High School student Phoebe Vimpany – a current member of the Education Minister’s Student Council – for lobbying to have sanitary products made available in all NSW public schools.
“When Phoebe was appointed to the council last year, she told me this was one of her goals,” Mr Marshall said.
“Since then Phoebe has been a strong voice for rolling out free hygiene products at every school to support young women.
“I commend Phoebe for her advocacy and helping bring about this incredibly positive initiative – it just goes to show how big change can be made, no matter who you are and where you live.
“This statewide rollout of period products will ensure our young women have the support they need, with dignity and without barriers, as they continue their education journey.
“That is something Phoebe can be rightly proud of helping bring about.”