CONDOM vending machines have been installed in public toilets across the Yarriambiack shire in an attempt to promote safe sex practices.
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Machines were installed in the male and female public toilets on Scott Street, Warracknabeal; Yarrack Lane, Hopetoun; and Wimmera Highway, Murtoa.
Infrastructure services manager Bernie Naylor said the six condom vending machines would enable the community to have 24-hour access to contraception.
“The machines will be installed at the public toilets for a 12 month trial period,” he said.
The cost to council for the supply, installation and servicing of the six vending machines every six weeks is approximately $3000 per year.
“The three locations all have secondary schools nearby and were decided as ideal trial sites for that reason. If the trial is successful, we hope that it will be extended to more sites in the future,” he said.
Yarriambiack Shire Council councillor Kylie Zanker was instrumental in getting the idea up-and-running. She said it was crucial the community had access to affordable contraception.
“It’s about ensuring we have that holistic view of health. We used to talk about mental health as a stigma and we’re lessening that stigma, and I think it’s the same about our sexual reproductive health as well,” she said.
“Making sure that everyone has those choices available to them is important. By having the vending machines there it will allow people to make those healthy sexual health choices.”
She said she hoped the year-long trial was a success.
“I will be advocating for what we gauge that success on. Obviously we’re hoping more than one is used throughout the shire, but even if it only encourages one person to make a healthy choice that’s what we’re after,” she said.
“It might take a bit of time for people to use the machines or even think about using them.”
Grampains Community Health will display posters about the usage of the condoms and other sexual health information next to the machines.
The following year, condom vending 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 for a trial period of two years.
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