Machines will be hosted in Ballarat and Mildura until July 2026, with locations for the second half of 2026 to be confirmed. Further details will be shared as they become available.
Ballarat City Library, 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat Central (upstairs in the disabled toilet)
Mildura Waves,
190 Deakin Ave, Mildura
(in the disabled toilet off the Café)
The STI-X (sticks) project, developed by The Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health (CERSH) in partnership with Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), brings free STI test kit vending machines to regional Victoria for the first time.
The project provides anonymous, easy-to-access STI testing without the need for appointments, referrals, or clinic visits, removing many of the common barriers to testing in regional communities.
The vending machines offer free self-testing kits for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, along with a free HIV screening test (Atomo Rapid).
Testing is available to anyone aged 16 years and over. A mobile phone is required in order to receive a kit and for follow-up.
Completed samples are sent via post to MSHC, paid postage is included.
Test results are managed by MSHC. If treatment is required, this is arranged at a location convenient to the individual.
