Julie Moyle, Carol Stevens, Michele Uebergang and Glynis Kelly are part of the group working to collect donations and distribute hygiene products to local women.
This is a need that Ms Stevens said had only grown over the past few years.
“Because of the cost-of-living crisis, there’s been an increase in domestic violence, an increase in homelessness and all that sort of stuff. It means that the need here is huge. It’s an unprecedented demand,” she said.
“This is not something that comes from bad luck or lifestyles or whatever. As we say, it’s not a choice. Everybody has to deal with this.”
The organisers said that although there had been an increase in need overall, older women had been particularly affected.
“Often older women can’t even afford their little panty liners, so that’s quite extraordinary. I found that really surprising,” Ms Moyle said.
“At the moment, what’s happened is really that demand for our help has outstripped supply, which is why we’ve gone on this really strong campaign.”
The group’s current project is in collaboration with Bunnings. The women are asking people to fill a bag with hygiene products and then drop it off at the local Bunnings between November 10 and November 26.
There are three types of bags: an adult bag, a teen bag, and a mum and bub’s bag. Items such as toothpaste, lipsticks, menstrual products, panty liners, nappies and soaps can be included.
The group is looking for items that you would want to find in these bags. Although the bags need to be able to be zipped up and in good condition, they can be second-hand and donated from your wardrobe.
More specifics on what items can be included can be found on the Share the Dignity website at www.sharethedignity.org.au/itsinthebag
The group has received plenty of assistance from community groups over the years.
“We’ve gotten so much help from the community. Rich River and the ladies at the library have been so much help. As well as St Mary’s Parish and Snap Fitness and Lyndy Lawton,” Ms Moyle said.
The group is also accepting bank donations so it can purchase items for bags. For further information on how to help, contact Carol Stevens on 0425 773 703.
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