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Merry Christmas!

’Twas the lead-up to Christmas, and all through The Big Issue, we’re celebrating the season with warmth and Big Wish Yous. Melbourne vendor Con is our cover Claus, helping to spread the joy of The Big Wish You: an annual compilation of vendors’ messages of gratitude, reflections on the year that was, and their hopes for 2025. Across an extra eight pages, it’s an edition packed with stories capturing every facet of the most wonderful time of the year – Scrooge himself couldn’t resist.

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Welcome Back To Our Melbourne Vendors

Iconic Australian magazine The Big Issue will welcome back its Melbourne vendors to street selling, following a pause due to the COVID-19 crisis.

From Friday 30 October, Melbourne vendors will once again don their fluoro vests and head out to street corners to proudly sell the much-loved magazine.

Readers are encouraged to pick up a physical copy of the new edition from their local vendor to support those doing it tough. Vendors are also selling The Big Issue 2021 Calendar, celebrating the upcoming 25th anniversary year.

The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said the return marks an exciting and much-anticipated day for Melbourne vendors and loyal Big Issue readers alike.

“We are so pleased to be welcoming our Melbourne vendors back to street selling. The Big Issue street selling has been operational in other areas of Australia since July, and we are excited to now see Melbourne vendors proudly working in a new, COVID-safe environment” Mr Persson said.

“Our Melbourne vendors have been sorely missed over the past few months and we know how much they’re looking forward to getting back to work and seeing their regular customers.

“We have received an overwhelming amount of support over the past few months, and we know The Big Issue community will continue this meaningful support by purchasing a copy from their local vendor.

“Every magazine sold represents countless opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage to earn an income and connect with their community.”

The return to street selling will see a number of COVID-safe measures in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of vendors, customers and the broader community.

Having undergone COVID-19 safety training, vendors will be equipped with digital payment devices, magazine display boxes, hand sanitiser and social distancing signage.

Magazines will be available for purchase for $9 from vendors starting this Friday 30 October with cash, card or Beem It payments accepted. Vendors purchase magazines for $4.50 and sell them for $9, earning a meaningful income.