1 minute read
Project ladies business
by Playford
Successful grant recipient Suzzanne Bucany expands Project Ladies Business.
Suzzanne Bucany (pictured) started Project Ladies Business to make sanitary packages freely available in local primary schools.
Project Ladies Business received $5000 to help fill the ‘period poverty’ gap affecting young girls as part of the City of Playford’s community grants program.
“My daughter turned nine and wanted something to put in her bag in case she got her period at school and I wondered if other girls had the same support,” Suzzanne said.
Although successful national projects make sanitary items available in high schools, it’s rare for these programs to cover primary schools.
“They place free dispensers in high school bathrooms, but generally not in primary schools,” she said.
Suzzanne noticed young girls taking time off school to avoid and, on many occasions, not understanding the changes happening to them.
“I think it’s really sad that such a normal thing can affect us so badly,” Suzzanne said.
Each Project Ladies Business package contains sanitary pads, tampons, feminine wipes, and a heartfelt letter explaining the changes they may encounter. All items are enclosed in a handmade pouch made by the Playford Women’s Shed.
In 2019, after an 18-year battle, the ‘tampon tax’ was officially lifted in Australia and feminine hygiene products were finally listed as an essential item.
According to Suzzanne “some young girls are still missing out,” and now backed by Council she can distribute more packages to local primary schools.
In the most recent round, the City of Playford provided more than $46,000 to 11 non-profit organisations to support local projects and events.
Other events and projects supported include: the Munno Para Little Athletics Come and Try Day and a fit out of a new vehicle for Cos We Care, which provides free food, toiletries, and clothing to people every Saturday morning at Fremont Park.
The next round of the Community Development and Events Grant Program is now open for applications, closing on Friday 8 July 2022.
Local groups are invited to apply for up to $5000 for community projects, activities, and events.
Head to Council’s website for the guidelines and application forms:
playford.sa.gov.au/grants
