Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council brought the project to the attention of council.

Youth Councillor Angus Robinson said they were alarmed by statistics showing the high rates of unwanted pregnancy and STI’s in Western Victoria and advocated for the installations of the machines.

“We really appreciate the support from our respective secondary schools and health services across the Shire and the backing of the initiative by the Hindmarsh Shire Councillors,” he said.

“Being a part of the Youth Council has given us an opportunity to talk about issues like this that are often avoided. It has been great to see this project through to completion.”

Machines were installed in the male and female public toilets behind Dimboola’s library, in Nhill’s Goldsworthy Park, in Jeparit’s Menzies Square and Rainbow’s Mecca Town Hall.

Mayor Debra Nelson said a comprehensive sexual health education program will run in Dimboola, Nhill and Rainbow secondary schools in partnership with health services following the installation of the machines. 

 “This process has already begun in late 2016 with visits from Family Planning Victoria to secondary schools across the Hindmarsh Shire, where healthy relationships were discussed. Further education will continue into the future with programs ran through local health services in schools,” she said.

“Following installation of the vending machines there will now be a two year trial to determine their viability.

“If, after the two year trial, it is determined that the machines are viable they will stay in place with no further operating costs.

“The machines are installed with additional safety measures to deter vandalism; however in the instance that vandalism is too great to be repaired the machines will unfortunately have to be removed.”

The vending machines are located in both male and female toilets in-