In an Australian first, staff of TLC Healthcare will now have access to free pads and tampons as 200 dispensers are installed in all 12 of the private operator's residential aged care homes, in their medical centres, early learning centres, health clubs, and cafes, and at Head Office, in a program worth $500,000 per annum to the innovative private provider.

The program is being delivered in partnership with Femmé Organic, which manufactures the 100% organic, toxic-free products.

Members of TLC Health Club, which offers gyms, swimming pools, and cafes, as well as services such as physio, dieticians, and podiatrists, co-located with medical centres, will also be able to access the products in changerooms.

Installations of the dispensers is underway.

Lou Pascuzzi, CEO and Managing Director of TLC Healthcare, said, "Femmé Organic tells us that one in five woman miss work due to having their period. That 86% of people have been unprepared for their period at work, and that 73% of Australians believe workplaces should provide free period products.

"By supporting 82% of our overall workforce by making their periods a little gentler and kinder through Femmé Organic’s products, we’re also caring for the environment and the planet in a meaningful way."

TLC Healthcare has been recognised as Employer of Choice by the Australian Business Association for nine consecutive years. It claims to have the lowest levels of absenteeism in the industry at 2.7% and the lowest industry turnover at just 7.7%.