Edition 320

Simon Castles offers 10 reasons why Neil Young – the 2009 Big Day Out’s headline act – still rocks at 63.

Also in this issue:

‘In Lincoln’s Footsteps’: Barack Obama recalls his first impressions of the White House, and meeting the man he will replace as president; in ‘Wordly Woman’ Australian short-story writer Cate Kennedy talks about letting herself go, as she works on her …

Edition 319

Packed with fiction, features, bonus crossword and what to expect in 2009, our summer edition is perfect for sunny days – and rainy ones too.

Also in this issue:

‘Life Classes’: After working as a teacher in a remote Aboriginal community for three years, Felix Clark is leaving. Following ‘Clouds Over the Desert’ (Ed#295) and ‘Sorry Camp’ (Ed#304), he now reflects on what he’s learnt; in ‘Sunset with Razor Wire’, Jess Letch describes how, for aid workers, coming home can be the …

The Big issue vendors and friends presented a moving showcase performance at ACMI Cinemas after the first day of football action at the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup and received a standing ovation from an emotional audience.

Playing to a packed house of 170, the performance, directed by Melbourne theatre director Adriano Cortese, began with a moving and entertaining Welcome to Country by  Wurrendjeri Elder Annette Xiberras.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was popular Big Issue vendor Adam Smith, well known for his rhyming spruik outside Myer and Flagstaff Stations. Fifteen …

The Big Issue is getting into the festive spirit with its annual Christmas edition and calendar.

On sale 1–25 December, the 2009 calendar and Christmas edition will be available from Big Issue vendors in most capital cities across Australia and in some regional areas.

At just $5, the calendar is a great gift idea, with the added bonus that half the money goes directly into the pocket of your Big Issue vendor – sharing the gift of giving.

The …

EDDY HALID (VIC)

Eddy first heard about The Big Issue Street Soccer Program from his friend Enso and joined the Melbourne program two and a half years ago.

Soccer has been the one constant in Eddy’s life. He has experienced homelessness but says that things are now “better than they were” and …

COEN SLAUGHTER (NSW)

Twenty-one year old Coen Slaughter hails from Rutherford in NSW and joined The Big Issue’s Sydney Street Soccer Program in June 2007. This rising talent has played soccer all his life and looks up to players like Zinedine Zidane. He was awarded Best Player of the Tournament at The Big Issue’s 2008 National Street Soccer Championships.

In the past, Coen has experienced family disruptions and homelessness but credits …

HAMID ARABI (SA)

Hamid joined The Big Issue’s Adelaide Street Soccer Program in March 2008. Aged 30, he was born in Iran and has been in Australia for 13 years.

Having played soccer previously in Iran, Hamid has enjoyed being part of the Street Soccer Program which he joined when facing the challenges of homelessness, drug abuse and mental illness. “It’s been good to play soccer – it’s good for the soul,” he said.

Hamid said …

TONI WHELAN (SA)

This vivacious 20 year old from Adelaide is the only female member of the 2008 Street Socceroos team. In June 2007, Toni joined The Big Issue’s Street Soccer Program despite never having played soccer before. She is now getting ready to pit her talents against street soccer teams from across the world.

Through the Street Soccer Program Toni has enjoyed making new friends and being part of the supportive environment. “Our team …

KEVIN (SKIP) KNIGHT (QLD)
Aged 24, Kevin (known as Skip) played soccer all through school and joined The Big Issue’s Brisbane Street Soccer Program when it commenced in 2006. Born in England, Kevin moved to Australia when he was four.

Kevin has experienced homelessness and mental illness. He says that things these days “could be better, I’m still looking for my own unit”. One of his goals when returning …

STEVE MALONEY, VICE-CAPTAIN (VIC)

Stevie began training at Atherton Gardens in Melbourne 18 months ago. He originally hails from St Helens in the north-west of England and worked in England and internationally as a successful jockey for 17 years. His work brought him to Australia in 1998.

Stevie has been homeless and lived in men’s shelters before he found out about The Big Issue Street Soccer Program….