15 years of Big Issue empowering people through print

One of the most enduring and high profile not-for-profit print enterprises in Australia, The Big Issue marks its 15th anniversary milestone of helping thousands of homeless and marginalized Australians get back on their feet.

Steven Persson, CEO of The Big Issue says the occasion marked a major milestone for the country’s largest and most successful social enterprise.

“The Big Issue has changed the lives of thousands of homeless and marginalised men and women by giving them the chance to earn an income and reconnect with the community,” said Persson.

Since it was launched on the steps of Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station in June 1986, various printers have produced the street magazine.

A timeline of Big Issue printers over the years is:

• Progress Printers (VIC) – 1996 - August 1997
• Southern Colour (VIC) – August 1997 – September 1999
• Harris Print (TAS) – September 1999 – August 2008
• Rural Press Printing – August 2008 – April 2009
• Offset Alpine (NSW) – April 2009 – current

Alan Attwood, editor of Big Issue says the growing popularity of the magazine is reflected in the latest Roy Morgan readership figures, which show a 57 per cent readership increase to 242,000 a fortnight in the year to March, “the largest percentage increase among magazines in Australia.”

“The magazine has struck a chord with readers – it’s surviving, and indeed growing at a time when print publications are struggling. Our 15th anniversary gives our vendors and readers the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and what we’ve achieved together.”

To date, the brightly clad vendors have sold over six million magazines on streets across the country, earning more than $13.2 million in income. Vendors buy the magazine for $2.50 and sell it for $5, pocketing the difference.

Around 3,500 people across Australia have been recruited and trained as vendors since its inception. There are currently more than 450 vendors nationally, including 138 in Victoria.