Breaking taboos: period products for CFS volunteers
05/08/2025
From the fireground to regional headquarters, South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) members will now have access to free period products thanks to a statewide initiative starting today.
As part of an ongoing commitment to support diversity, inclusion and equity within CFS membership, over 1,000 period product packs will be available in fire trucks and command vehicles statewide.
Dispensers will also be located at all major CFS facilities, including Regional and State Headquarters and training centres.
The CFS is committed to growing its female membership and this initiative supports the comfort, well-being, health needs and dignity of volunteers and staff while they serve their communities.
Menstrual health is a basic need, not a luxury, and this program ensures no CFS member is left without essential items in high-pressure environments.
CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM said the initiative is about ensuring members can undertake their important work without unnecessary barriers.
"Just as we prioritise the safety and well-being of the public during incidents, we must also safeguard the health and dignity of our own people," Mr Loughlin said.
"Providing these products also demonstrates that we value diversity and are removing unnecessary barriers so volunteers and staff can focus on what matters."
Hayley Slater, of Salisbury CFS, said having period products on hand will make a real difference for volunteers if they have been on a truck or in an incident management team for hours or at a staging area far from home.
"It's one less thing to worry about and shows that CFS understands the practical needs of its members on the ground," Ms Slater said.
CFS is partnering with South Australian social enterprise TABOO to deliver biodegradable pads and tampons in plastic-free packaging, supporting firefighters who may not have access to rubbish bins on the fireground.
The products will also be accessible to the public during emergencies upon request.
"We are proud to work with CFS to ensure volunteers and staff have access to the products they need," CEO and Co-founder of TABOO Eloise Hall said.
Minister for Emergency Services Emily Bourke MLC said the rollout is a new and practical way to help crews on the ground.
"Our CFS volunteers tirelessly support their communities, and we want to address barriers that can impact their valued contribution," Minister Bourke said.
"Making these products widely available recognises a basic health need and I'm pleased to see a more inclusive environment across the organisation."
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard MP said "women should always be empowered to equally and actively participate in every aspect of community life, and this includes CFS volunteering.
Keeping South Australians safe in times of emergency should never be impacted by generous volunteers not having access to the products they need when they have their period. Whether they are on the fireground, at training or at headquarters, removing this barrier provides dignity to trusted, brave and hard-working volunteers.
I thank our CFS volunteers for their extraordinary contribution. I'm so pleased this initiative means they can access the period products they need when they need them and that CFS is sending a message to our community that women are welcome to be active and involved in this excellent organisation."
Member for Waite Catherine Hutchesson MP said "periods can be just as unpredictable as a bushfire and as a firefighter myself, I know what it's like to be called out at a moment's notice, sometimes for many hours, sometimes overnight with no idea when you'll be back or what facilities you'll have access to".
"Having period products in trucks and stations means there's one less thing to worry about when your pager goes off. It's a small change that makes a big difference."
"Women belong on the fire truck - and this is another step forward to make sure they know it."
The statewide rollout is now underway, with products currently being placed in vehicles and at key sites over the coming months.
Photos from today's launch can be found here (captions available on request): https://www.flickr.com/photos/196409725@N02/albums/72177720328174448/
