On 16 June 2026, under the clocks of Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station – the spot where it all began exactly 30 years – a large group of vendors, staff, supporters and media gathered for Melbourne’s 30th birthday celebrations. Flinders Street rang with the sounds of “Happy Birthday The Big Issue” sung with an enthusiasm that not even a grey Melbourne sky could dampen.
The event marked a celebration that started with a single enterprise – selling The Big Issue magazine. In that time, we’ve expanded across the country, started life-changing programs such as our Community Street Soccer, Classroom, Women’s Workforce and Homes for Homes, and put nearly $42 million collectively into vendors’ pockets. There’s clearly a lot to celebrate!
At the centre of the campaign was a special 68-page $30 collector’s edition of The Big Issue magazine, available throughout June, with $18 from every copy sold going directly to the vendor and 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.
All around the country The Big Issue vendors, program participants and wider community have been celebrating throughout the month at magazine launches, media events and while selling on the street. Take a look at what’s been happening:
It was a great turnout with many vendors new and old, and even some news media who came down to commemorate the day. We even had the Young & Jacksons billboard, courtesy of our friends at OMA.
Elsewhere vendors in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra caught up for a party, photography and interviews with media.
Sydney 📸 Paul Bramble
Brisbane 📸 Andrew Porfyri
Adelaide 📸 Ben Liew
Perth 📸 Tanya Schultz
Canberra 📸 Woden Community Service
We’ve even had some birthday shout-outs some of our famous friends, check out our Instagram to see whose sent us a message.
We’ve had an incredible month, and we plan on keeping the birthday vibes going for the rest of the year. By supporting our birthday campaign, you’re ensuring that this party won’t end until our mission of addressing homelessness and poverty is completed.