On Tuesday 16 June, The Big Issue will celebrate its 30th anniversary on the steps of Flinders Street Station, the very place the magazine’s first edition was sold, marking three decades of impact and supporting Australians doing it tough.
At the centre of the campaign is a special $30 collector’s edition of The Big Issue magazine, available throughout June, with $18 from every copy sold going directly to the vendor — delivering four times their usual income per sale, helping put more money directly into the hands of Australians doing it tough.
Launching during ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising housing insecurity, the campaign gives vendors a rare opportunity to significantly boost their earnings in a single month.
The 68-page limited-edition bumper issue features a striking gold foil cover and celebrates three decades of impact, highlighting the vendors, readers, supporters and contributors who have shaped The Big Issue story.
For many vendors, the cost of living has become the cost of survival. This campaign offers Australians a simple but powerful way to make an immediate difference while supporting a social enterprise that has helped thousands of people build income, independence and connection over the past 30 years.
1996–2026: 30 years of impact:
- More than 21,000 people supported across The Big Issue programs
- $41.9 million collectively earned by vendors since inception
- 88% of participants have maintained stable work with The Big Issue for more than three years*
*The Big Issue Impact Report 2025
Beyond the magazine, The Big Issue creates opportunities for people to earn income, build confidence and reconnect with community through programs including Women’s Workforce, Community Street Soccer and Classroom.
Supporters can purchase the special collector’s edition from vendors throughout June. Those wanting to contribute further can support The Big Appeal at bigappeal.org.au to help create more pathways out of poverty across Australia.
Photo & vision opportunities:
On 16 June 1996, The Big Issue launched beneath the iconic clocks of Flinders Street Station on a cold, foggy Melbourne morning — the beginning of a movement that would go on to change thousands of lives. Thirty years later, vendors, staff, supporters, community members, and even the original street juggler will return to the very same spot to celebrate the milestone anniversary and recreate the spirit of that historic first day.
At 11am, The Big Issue billboard above Young & Jackson, directly opposite the famous Flinders Street Station clocks, will light up for 15 minutes in tribute to three decades of impact.
Spokespeople:
- Chris, Melbourne Vendor of The Big Issue
- Steven Persson, CEO of The Big Issueand Homes for Homes
Long-term supporters attending:
- Greg Kerr, CEO/GM ANZ, The Body Shop
- Fiona Lancaster, Head of Marketing and Product, The Body Shop
- Karinda Kelly, Community Relations and Partnership Manager, Australia Post
- Nicky Tracey, General Manager Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Australia Post
-ENDS-
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.