Successful trial leads to permanent condoms

A successful trial program has led to Baw Baw Shire continuing to provide condoms in vending machines in six towns around the municipality.

Council activated the trial program in April last year for a 12-month trial period. Councillors last week voted to continue the program, with condom vending machines installed in public toilets in Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar, Neerim South, Longwarry and Rawson.

The machines provide two condoms to a pack for $2.

During the 12-month trial, 314 items were bought across the six machines.

A report to council said the trial program set out to demonstrate a need for condoms that could be accessible at any time of the day, and without the need to purchase overthe-counter products with a sales assistant.

Cr Jessica O’Donnell said the program provided many benefits to the community, particularly in smaller communities where there may be a level of embarrassment among young people buying condoms.

“It is a discreet way of getting condoms,” she said.

Cr O’Donnell said incidents of gonorrhoea and chlamydia had risen. “It’s important we are ticking off some of the valid points of our health and well-being plan.

“I welcome it being no longer a trial period and hope it continues,” she said.

Cr Mikaela Power said as well as the benefits the program delivered to smaller communities, it also was cost neutral.

She said the only issue during the trial period was the theft of two signs but they had been replaced.

“I think this is a great program that can be provided by council and have a great impact on communities,” she said.

Officers said supporting the sexual health of young people was a focus of the project. School nurses promoted the location of the machines to secondary school students at Drouin Secondary College, Warragul Regional College, Trafalgar High School, and Neerim District Secondary College.

Council was told there had been no negative feedback about the project.

“The easy availability of products that protect sexual health contributes to public health improvements by supporting healthier sexual behaviour. The product is packaged in a plain non-sexualised package to support respectful relationships between people.

“Gender and physical equity was considered in how this project was delivered. The vending machines were installed in accessible public toilets which allows people of any gender and with any mobility needs to use the machine,” the report said.

Officers said the project was cost neutral. Any revenue raised will be used to purchase more stock or replace stolen signage, or repair/replace equipment.

The report said there was a risk of vandalism but during the trial no machines were damaged or tampered with.

A big thank you to Jacky Vance for the Richmond Football Club cap she gave to me.

Bricks to the Drouin Ficifolia Committee for abolishing the movie in the park component of the festival. A much anticipated part of the festival for the families of Drouin and surrounds.

A big bouquet with many thanks to Drouin Amcal Pharmacy who helped me out with a medication concern when it appeared no one else could. The fair, logical and community minded solution that was offered shows Drouin Amcal really cares for the welfare of its clients. My deep gratitude to all the helpful staff there.

Bouquets, thanks and appreciation to Melissa from Baw Baw Shire who arranged for a fallen tree to be removed from our road in Neerim East during the high winds last Friday.

I called the shire at 12.05pm and the tree was removed and road cleared well before 2.30pm Thanks to Melissa and the current contractors for such wonderful service.

Bricks to the lowlife who left a Clydesdale to starve to death (Gaz 7/8). I hope karma catches up with you.

Bricks to the disgusting dog owner who is not picking up after their dog in the Warragul Regional College grounds. This is a school not a dog’s toilet.

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