A new vending machine inside The Tivoli is giving out free sanitary pads, making the popular Fortitude Valley venue the first entertainment space in Brisbane to join a growing movement to fight period poverty.
A New Kind of Support at a Historic Venue
Brisbane’s iconic Tivoli has joined the fight against period poverty with a new digital dispenser offering free, organic sanitary pads. The initiative, led by local social enterprise On the House Group, makes access simple, just scan a QR code and take up to four packs, no payment or sign-up required.
Already seen at universities and stadiums across the city, these machines are now reaching entertainment venues too. What sets them apart is their built-in advertising screens, which cover all product costs. That means no government funding, no donations, just practical, public support where it’s needed most.
Designed for Dignity and Everyday Use
On the House founder Remy Tucker started the project after witnessing how some women and girls were forced to use tissues, socks or toilet paper during their periods. As a former midwifery student, she wanted to make period care available in everyday places like The Tivoli, not just schools or clinics.
She says this helps reduce shame while offering practical support when it matters most. The pads are biodegradable, made from organic materials, and designed for comfort. They also aim to cut down on plastic waste, a concern often ignored in menstrual care.
Ads That Do More Than Sell
The machines rely on a simple model: brands pay for advertising space, and those funds cover the cost of the products. Each time a pad pack is dispensed, the program also donates 10 cents to women’s support services. With major advertisers already signing on, including Afterpay, On the House hopes the model can scale up to reach more areas across Australia, including regional towns.
At The Tivoli, where thousands attend events every week, the visibility of the machine also sends a clear message that health and dignity should be part of every space, whether it’s a classroom or a concert hall.
Growing a Community of Access
Machines are already in place at Griffith University, UQ and Cbus Super Stadium, but The Tivoli brings something different. Founder Remy Tucker says venues like this reach a broader mix of people, including women, trans and non-binary locals, who might otherwise miss out.
It’s about meeting people where they are, not just in schools or clinics. The goal is big: 20,000 machines worldwide, with extra focus on rural and remote areas.
Published 12-July-2025
