Meet Your Vendor
I grew up in Coolum with my mum, dad and older sister. I remember collecting shells by the beach and going fishing with my dad. He had a boat, and we would go spearfishing and catch sweetlips – enough to feed five or six people. I’m still close to my parents: I ring Mum when she’s on her way home.
I was a good kid and never got in trouble. I went to special school, I had a lot of friends. My favourite subject was maths – I love adding up numbers.
I moved out of home when I was around 20; I just wanted to be more independent. That was a very horrible stage to go through. I had to look out for my own safety and food, all that sort of stuff. I was living on the streets for about a month. It was very hard – you had to wait each day for your next meal that didn’t turn up. I had a daughter around this time. I still talk to her; she has a disability like me. I had one more daughter, and named her after a comet. Their father was being nasty, and I had no choice but to give up custody of my kids. I’ve been through hard times and sad times, and that was really traumatic for me to go through.
I was young when I started selling The Big Issue. I’ve been selling for more than 25 years – a long time – and I hope to work for another 25 years. I find it a lot of fun. I’m very lucky to have business like that. With the money I get from doing The Big Issue I saved up for my cross necklace – it’s very nice.
I work at South Bank – the area has really changed over the years. I’ve been in hospital around there a couple of times, once to get a heart valve fixed up.
My favourite part about working as a vendor is meeting lots of different people, people who are polite or sad or anything. I’ve seen other people with red hair, purple hair – I’ve seen all types. I love pink!
Nowadays, I’m living in accommodation for people with special needs, and I’m happy there. It has all the basic things: clean showers, shampoo, clean toilets. I also have a cat named Caspian. He’s a beautiful darling. I got him about a year ago from Melbourne. I don’t have a clue how old he is, but he likes to follow me around and I get so happy when he comes and sits next me. I’m a cat person! I love their attitude and personality.
In my spare time I listen to music – I like a bit of Eminem from time to time. I also like to give back, giving up a bit of my time to volunteer for Red Cross. That’s me: if I see something going on or if I see a homeless person, I’ll give them food or some money. I’m very generous and I like getting to know people and what they’ve been through.
I’m so happy I found people that love me and care about me. Doing The Big Issue has brought me out of my shell: I have really blossomed a lot, but I need to blossom a bit more. I’d like my readers and everyone to know to please buy the magazine and read it – you’ll never see me in a dress again!
Megan W sells The Big Issue at South Bank, Brisbane
Interview by Nick Powell
Photo by Barry Street
Published in ed#738