The Big Issue Edition 329

From Rockwiz to charity galas and Eurovision. Julia Zemiro explains to Vin Maskell how it all started and, now, how she manages to do it all.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Nowhere Land’, residents of a small Indigenous community in Mona Mona, Queensland, explain to Benjamin Law the town’s dark past and struggle for a future; in ‘Hanging On The Telephone’ Claire Varley and Isabella Fels recount the trials and tribulations …

The Big Issue Edition 328

Exploring the complex relationship between animals and humans: Alan Attwood discusses how President Obama’s dog and Sam the koala can generate so much attention; Della Earl takes readers inside the confines of a Sydney animal shelter; and Meg Mundell delves deep into the duck shooting debate.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Preceding the Presets’, Julian Hamilton shares with Ghita Loebenstein the albums which most inspired him; and ‘Roving Eye’ sees photographer, Belinda Mason, …

The Big Issue Edition 327

Actor Viggo Mortensen talks with Ghita Loebenstein about testing morality in his new film, Good – set in Nazi Germany – and how he takes refuge in creative endeavours. 

Also in this issue:

In ‘And The Winner Is…’, beauty pageant contestant Sophie Lavers discovers coming second place can reap unexpected rewards; Richard Castles recounts his experiences working as “a taxi service for the already departed” in ‘Death Duties’; and ‘Roving Eye’ photographer, Sandy Nicholson, captures the …

The Big Issue Edition 326

Anna Krien ventures into the forests of Tasmania, where she is confronted by the long-running battle between protestors and loggers. Speaking to parties on both sides, she examines the questions of ‘jobs versus the environment’.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Branching Out’, Tamar Heath discovers how drawings of trees can reveal the artist’s psychological state; Anouska Sweetman recounts her close shave for charity in ‘Charitable Heart, Fat Head’; and in ‘Who Says?’, Jessica Venables, the young singer-songwriter behind …

The Big Issue Edition 325

Alan Attwood catches up with Sam Neill to talk about his role in Dean Spanley, the many film stars he’s worked with over the years, why he is dreading retirement and even his thoughts on the current financial crisis.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Arnie & Me’, Nick Carbonari recounts his journey from boy next door to bodybuilder, in a quest to achieve Schwarzenegger-like perfection; in ‘Home on the Ridge’, Lucy Di Paolo journeys …

The Big Issue Edition 324

Roving Eye sees the world’s best photojournalists capture some of 2008’s defining moments, reminders of a turbulent year that otherwise might be forgotten. Images are part of the 52nd annual World Press Photo competition. Text is by Michael Green.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Tough Going’, Priscilla director Stephan Elliott speaks to Rochelle Siemienowicz about his hiatus from filmmaking, his near-death experience on the ski slopes, and his comeback film, Easy Virtue.

In ‘Still Seeking Justice’, Karla Grant revisits …

The Big Issue Edition 323