The Big
Issue is an independent current affairs and entertainment magazine sold
in towns and cities throughout Australia by people experiencing homelessness
and/or long-term unemployment. It provides an opportunity for vendors to
positively change their lives by earning an income and interacting with the
mainstream community.
Susan Leith-Miller, NSW
State Operations Manager of The Big Issue, said that “the new space will
enable us to do what we already do now, but better”. The new premises will be
the home for the following programs: The Big Issue magazine; Community
Street Soccer; The Women’s Subscription Enterprise and The Big Issue Classroom.
The move will provide the
above programs with the opportunity to grow and develop to their full
potential.
The magazine has been
attracting positive publicity of late, with ABC 702 presenter James Valentine a
vocal supporter. Valentine, a long-time reader of the “high-quality
publication” recently experienced for himself what it’s like to be a
salesperson on the street.
“I found it a real
challenge to engage people,” he said. “I can understand how important it is for
vendors to work consistently and attract regular customers.”
Ms Leith-Miller says: “The
Big Issue is keen to develop strong relationships with the local community,
especially with our neighbours in Little Eveleigh Street.” She went on to say,
“When you see the removalist’s trucks leave come and say hello”.
Photo: Andrew Collis – Rick Williams is a Big Issue vendor in
Abercrombie Street, Darlington
Source: November 2011
South Sydney Herald http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/