The Big Issue

In June, Politicians joined in celebrating a big milestone: In South Australia, 250,000 copies of The Big Issue sold by over 500 vendors!

South Australia Politicians Natasha Stott Despoja, Dana Wortley, Nick Xenophon, Cory Bernardi and Sarah Hanson-Young donned The Big Issue uniform and became Big Issue vendors for the afternoon.

After receiving basic training, the senators stood on regular Big Issue pitches on Grenfell Street, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall to try their hand at selling The Big Issue magazine.

In South Australia, around 40 authorised vendors sell more than 2500 editions a fortnight at 40 sites around Adelaide, Mt. Barker and Whyalla.

Long-time vendor David Norman said: “It’s changed my life completely. It’s helped me come out of my shell and improved my communication skills. It helps me keep my mind off my problems and focused on my next steps forward.”

Senator Cory Bernardi. said “Selling 250,000 copies is a great achievement for any publication. Every copy has not just benefited the readers, but has introduced micro-enterprise on a national scale, helping people to help themselves and change their lives”.