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Healing with the Heelers

“I had someone who works in foster care say, ‘This show is probably the only example that some kids have of a functioning family,’” says Melanie Zanetti, better known as the voice of Bluey’s mum Chilli on what is arguably Australia’s most successful TV show.

With the Heeler family set to unleash their biggest episode yet, we had a chinwag with Zanetti, plus Bluey’s executive producer Daley Pearson, about their favourite episodes, the healing power of play, and the little dog’s quest to take over the world from Brisbane, one heart at a time.

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Supporting Vendors Through Lockdown

Following advice from state government and health authorities, and in the best interest of the safety and wellbeing of our vendors, staff, customers and the general public, we’ve paused operations in Canberra, Melbourne and New South Wales. The Big Issue will remain operational in other areas of Australia.

Recognising the significant impact of COVID-19, our dedicated vendor support team will continue to provide support to our vendor group throughout this period until they can safely return to work.

We’ve been regularly checking in with vendors via phone, text, online and social media platforms to make sure they’re well and connected to appropriate services during this time.

Our existing Vendor Hardship Fund will provide vendors in immediate need with financial support to help them get through this period, and will also provide support to our vendors when street selling resumes.

Continue your support

Readers of The Big Issue magazine can continue to support our vendor group by pledging to purchase editions of the magazine once vendors return to selling.

We also encourage you to support in the other following ways:

  1. Subscribe to the magazine. Subscriptions are available through The Big Issue website, with a hard copy of the newest edition delivered to your door each fortnight. Subscriptions support the Women’s Subscription Enterprise, which employs women experiencing homelessness and disadvantage to pack and send subscriber magazines.
  2. Donate to The Big Issue. Donating to The Big Issue is another way to support us as we continue to develop ways to help our vendors during this unsettling time. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online through our website.
  3. Spread the love. Social connection is one of the most important parts of selling The Big Issue magazine and is so important for the wellbeing of our community. If you’d like to send a message to your local vendor, please email us or leave a message on our social media channels and we’ll pass it on.

We’ll continue to monitor this ever-changing situation and provide updates to our vendor group and our valued supporters over the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time.

Pictured: Vendor Grace from Canberra. Picture by Sean Davey.