The Big Issue Australia is an organisation that helps people to get back on their feet – particularly people who are experiencing homelessness and long-term unemployment.

The Magazine

The key project is a current affairs and entertainment magazine, The Big Issue. It is sold on the streets by vendors who keep half the $5 cover price.

Have a look inside our magazine

In the past three years, magazine sales have increased by 55%. Since 1996, vendors have sold more than 4.4 million magazines. Australia-wide magazine sales exceed 29,000 per fortnight.

Readership has increased by 60% over the last three years, making The Big Issue one of the fastest-growing magazines in Australia with more than 172,000 readers per edition. (Roy Morgan Research, November 2007)

Now in our 12th year, The Big Issue Australia has produced more than 300 editions of the magazine.

As a not-for-profit organisation we’re working towards becoming self-sufficient by increasing sales and advertising revenue.

Find out more about advertising in The Big Issue magazine.

Programs and services

Around 3000 homeless and marginalised people across Australia have been recruited, trained and supported by The Big Issue over the past 12 years. Vendors also receive life skills training and legal support if necessary.

From time to time we receive funding to run creative workshops. These workshops are run by industry professionals and are a fantastic opportunity for vendors to express themselves through writing and visual art.

The Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH) operates with vendors in Melbourne providing free legal advice and advocacy.

Read more about PILCH and other organisations who work with and alongside The Big Issue.

The Street Socceroos

We have a dedicated team around Australia involved with running Street Soccer Programs. This program gives homeless and marginalised people a physical and psychological boost through regular sports participation. Our players are called the Street Socceroos.

Find out more about the Street Socceroos.

Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup

The Big Issue Australia successfully bid to host the 2008 Homeless World Cup in Melbourne. It promises to be a high-profile international sports event, showcasing homeless people’s ability to tackle personal obstacles and adversity to transform themselves into sports people with the ability to touch the world.

Find out more about the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup