As Australia marks National Homelessness Week (3–9 August) and prepares for the 2026 Census on 11 August, The Big Issue is doing what it does best – providing a platform to the people often left out of the debate.
The latest national fortnightly edition of The Big Issue (31 July – 13 August) has a special cover feature exploring what it means to be counted through the eyes of people who have experienced homelessness and poverty.
Drawing on responses from The Big Issue’s vendor workforce and participants across its work-led programs, the feature reveals a mix of scepticism, frustration and hope. While the importance of the Census is generally recognised, others question whether being counted leads to meaningful action or simply another set of statistics.
The report asks a simple but powerful question: What does being counted mean for people living on the margins?
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: MELBOURNE
- What: Magazine launch
- When: Friday 31 July 2026
- Time: 9.00am
- Where: Southern Cross Lane, 111 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000
For 30 years, The Big Issue has championed a different solution to homelessness, creating work opportunities that restore income, confidence, purpose and independence. Since launching in June 1996, more than 8,000 people have earned an income through The Big Issue’s work-first programs, demonstrating that lasting change comes from combining safe housing with meaningful employment.
Spokespeople:
- The Big Issue vendors, who can share directly about their experiences of homelessness
- Jen Vuk, Communications and Editorial Manager, The Big Issue
- Steven Persson, CEO, The Big Issue and Homes for Homes
Media assets available:
- Photo of vendors
- Digital cover and PDF of The Big Issue
-ENDS-
Media enquiries:
Maree Agapitos | Media and Communications Lead
magapitos@bigissue.org.au | (03) 9663 4533 | 0418 124 190
Jen Vuk | Communications and Editorial Manager
jen.vuk@bigissue.org.au | (03) 9663 4533 | 0408 666 317
About The Big Issue:
The Big Issue Australia provides people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage with opportunities to earn an income and reconnect with their communities. Since inception, The Big Issue has supported more than 21,000 people across its programs – including magazine vendors, Street Soccer players, Classroom speakers and Women’s Workforce employees. To date, more than 8,000 vendors have earned a collective $41.9 million through magazine sales. Spokespeople from The Big Issue on work-based solutions to homelessness and poverty