FAQs
- Where is The Big Issue sold?
- What is the magazine all about?
- How can I become a vendor?
- How is The Big Issue organisation funded?
- What is the purpose and aim of The Big Issue?
- What is The Big Issue?
- How much money does a vendor make?
- Why do so many of your vendors have mobile phones if they are homeless?
- Are all your vendors homeless?
- Do all homeless people sleep on the streets?
- Why do people become homeless?
- Isn’t selling The Big Issue the same as begging?
- I saw someone selling the magazine who doesn’t have an identification badge on, should I buy from them?
- How are players selected for the Homeless World Cup?
Where is The Big Issue sold?
The Big Issue magazine is sold on the streets of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra, as well as regional Victoria: Ballarat, Geelong, and Bendigo.
View our Find a Vendor map for locations and more information.
What is the magazine all about?
The Big Issue is an independent, commercial magazine that publishes quality articles on a huge variety of subjects, including arts and entertainment, current affairs, street culture and lifestyle.
An independent publication, we tackle big subjects, but always retain a sense of humour and a primary interest in the experiences of people.
The Big Issue is simply a quality, general interest, street magazine – a publication that is a good read and a good deed.
How can I become a vendor?
Contact your nearest Big Issue office and make an appointment to come and see us.
How is The Big Issue organisation funded?
The Big Issue is funded through magazine sales, advertising revenue, sponsors, trusts and philanthropic organisations, state and local governments, and donations from readers.
The Body Shop was our founding sponsor and continues to provide sponsorship and support.
It is our goal to have the magazine component of the organisation totally self sufficient, with any surplus directed back into providing support for our vendors through the vendor support program.
What is the purpose and aim of The Big Issue?
Our purpose: To provide a mechanism to assist homeless, ex-homeless and long-term unemployed people to participate in society as independently as possible.
Our aim: To help homeless and unemployed people to help themselves. Read more about our purpose.
What is The Big Issue?
The Big Issue is an organisation that offers homeless and marginalised people a way to reconnect with society. The primary project is The Big Issue magazine: an informative independent street paper.
The magazine comes out fortnightly and sells for $5, of which $2.50 is direct income for the vendor. The Big Issue is Australia’s premier street publication – it is the magazine that helps people help themselves.
The Street Soccer Program is another key project. People can improve their lives by regular team sport. Health and fitness improve and they have a chance to be part of a team, learn to win and lose, and find positive role models.
How much money does a vendor make?
There is no average amount as every vendor is here for a different reason and set their own targets. Some vendors are happy to sell a few so they have enough money for their daily needs. Other vendors aim to sell a lot to cover accommodation costs,or maybe they are saving up for something.
Why do so many of your vendors have mobile phones if they are homeless?
Many of our vendors move around a lot; or live in housing where they don’t have their own land line. Mobile phones are much more affordable now and are an essential way to keep in touch and be contactable.
Are all your vendors homeless?
Not all, some are marginalised by their circumstances; maybe mental health issues; drug, alcohol or gambling addictions; physical and intellectual disabilities or long-term unemployment.
Do all homeless people sleep on the streets?
The definition of homelessness put forward by the Australian Bureau of Statistics includes people using a temporary bed with friends and people in crisis accommodation and boarding houses.
People who sleep rough made up about 14% of the total population of homeless people according to the 2001 census.
(Source: Chamberlain and McKenzie (2003))
Why do people become homeless?
We have vendors from all sorts of backgrounds and professions. Homelesseness is an issue that anyone can face. Reasons for becomming homeless may include the sudden onset of mental illness, loss of job, family breakdown, addictions and domestic violence. It can happen to anyone.
Isn’t selling The Big Issue the same as begging?
No, they are working: they are selling a quality magazine to the public. Vendors who sell the magazine have decided to take the first step towards change. Selling the magazine boosts their confidence and enables them to interact with the public in a positive way.
I saw someone selling the magazine who doesn’t have an identification badge on, should I buy from them?
No, you should only buy from an authorised banded vendor?
How are players selected for the Homeless World Cup?
Eight players who have demonstrated the best attitude and commitment to the Street Soccer Program throughout the year and at the national tournament are selected to represent Australia in the annual Homeless World Cup. Team members are selected for their attitude, attendance and commitment to improving their lifestyle and personal circumstances – not for their soccer skills alone.
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