Paul has been part of The Big Issue family for about three and a half years. He works at Melbourne Central, Cnr Queen and Collins St, Parliament Station, Causeway Lane, Lygon Street.

What do you enjoy most about selling the mag?
The biggest reward for me is all the people I get to meet each day. I also really enjoy selling The Big Issue at Christmas time… people are really generous.

How has selling The Big Issue helped you/changed your life? 
Since I began selling The Big Issue I have been able to find my own accommodation, earn a good income and get off drugs.

What are some of the highlights of being a vendor?
Every Birthday and Christmas my regular customers bring me cards and gifts which is really nice. In 2004 I was the first vendor to sell Prince Charles a copy of The Big Issue, when he visited Melbourne. That was definitely a highlight.

Tell us a bit about your experiences?
In my late thirties I began taking drugs. My addiction lead to me becoming homeless. I also spent four months in jail at one point. After getting out of jail I realised that I wanted to change my life and thats when I became a vendor at The Big Issue. I have now been drug free for 12 months and I am working towards eventually owning my own home and business. I am a carpenter by trade and hope to one day go back to my true passion – making furniture.

What advice do you have for other people in this situation?
Don’t be too proud to ask for help if you need it.

Greg has been selling The Big Issue for nearly 13 years. These days he works at Queens Parade, Clifton Hill, Victoria.

What do you enjoy most about selling the mag?
Selling The Big Issue makes me not feel so alone. I get to talk to customers and interact with the public, it gets me out of the house and talking to people.

How has selling The Big Issue helped you/changed your life? 
Selling The Big Issue has given me confidence, self esteem and most importantly support – The Big Issue staff are the closest thing to family that I have. I have had some issues with women in the past, due to a breakdown in my relationship with my mother 15 years ago. Selling The Big Issue has helped me change my attitude towards women. I’ve lost the chip on my shoulder and have had a confidence boost.

Is there anything you want to tell us about some of your life experiences?
I left home at 13 and went travelling around Australia with carnie folk. By the time I was in my twenties I had a severe problem with alcohol which lead to the breakdown of my relationship with my brother, sister and eventually mother. My Dad was the only person that stuck by me, he was my best mate. Four years ago he died though. I’ve been sober for ten years now and have my own flat with my two cats – Nitro and JJ. It would be better if I could have a relationship with my Mum. That’s the one thing I really want.

What advice do you have for other people in this situation?
Take each day as it comes.

Cheryl has been selling the mag for about two and a half years. She works on both sides of Melbourne Central (Swanston and Elizabeth streets) and at The Body Shop on Sundays.

How did you get started selling the mag?
I had a couple of friends tell me about it. And about 12 months later I finally decided to do it. I think [at that time] I wasn’t working. And I thought it would get me out instead of sitting at home. It helps too when you can work your own hours.

How has it changed your life? 
It’s helped me talk to people more. Be a bit more outgoing.

What has been the best thing that’s happened while you have been selling the mag?
I’m writing a book. And one of my customers said they’re going to help me get it published.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in life?
I was a heroine addict. But have been clean about two and a half years.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Just stick it out.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your regulars?
Just to continue supporting us. Not just me, but all the other vendors as well.

Rob has been selling The Big Issue for about 10 years. These days he’s usually around Myer or on Collins St in Melbourne.

What do you enjoy most about selling the mag?
I like it when it’s really busy because it keeps me occupied. And I like talking to people. And seeing what people wear.

Have you been involved in any other programs of The Big Issue?
I did a play in 2004 in Carlton. It was called Sweet Dreams and had five vendors in it. We got write ups in the papers too.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your regulars?
Thank you for buying the magazine. It’s helped me deal with my self-esteem and to go away [on holiday] every year.

Have you had any experiences with homelessness?
I’ve never been homeless. I’ve been in a wheelchair my whole life. I was born like this.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
To be happy.

Eric has been selling The Big Issue on and off since 1996. He mainly sells in Melbourne city.

How has selling The Big Issue helped you/changed your life? 
I’ve met quite a few people out of it.

What has been the best thing that someone has said, or that has happened to you, while you have been selling the mag?
One woman came along and said ‘you’re the best vendor I’ve ever come across. Polite and well spoken.’ And she gave me $20.

How did you find out about the Big Issue and what made you want to start selling the mag?
From Paul S. He said ‘I’ll take you up to the office.’ So we did that and I got started.

Have you had any experiences with homelessness?
I’ve been living out of home on and off for years. I was sleeping in my car for 19 months. But I wasn’t selling The Big Issue at that time.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
I haven’t been given any good advice. But I’d say that if you’re a bit down, you can lift yourselves up a lot easier if you can get help from trustworthy people. Someone you know and who understands the situation.

Bryce has been selling the mag for about three years at Parliament and at The Body Shop in Camberwell, Victoria.

How has selling The Big Issue helped you/changed your life? 
I don’t know whether I can be this bold, but I think I’ve learnt more about people and relationships [by selling The Big Issue] than ever before. 

What do you enjoy most about selling the mag?
I’d say, just meeting people. It’s like having a wonderful love affair with the public.

What has been the best thing that someone has said, or that has happened to you, while you have been selling the mag?
I had a lady the other day tell me I had a wonderful sense of fashion. And there is a customer who brings me apricot jam.

Have you been involved in any other programs of The Big Issue?
I did a video for TropFest.

How did you come to sell The Big Issue?
A few years earlier my wife had a brain operation. Then seven years ago I lost my son. About six years ago I had a heart attack. I wasn’t working at the time. I didn’t really understand anything about The Big Issue, but just thought I’d try it and it turned out to be a wonderful thing to do.