Originally I’m from Bunbury, and came to Perth when I was four years old. My sister still lived in Bunbury until she passed six years ago. I was close to her: she was my only family after my mum died more than 40 years ago.
School was a mixed bag. I have a disability and couldn’t read and write for a while, so it was tough. But I went out with a girl at school, so it wasn’t all bad. I left school when I was 16. That’s such a long time ago.
I’ve been with The Big Issue for 16 years now, selling at Elizabeth Quay Train Station and the Underground. I like doing it, and I have quite a few regular customers that come and see me every week. I sometimes even get a tea from them.
Anzac Day is the highlight of my year, being up at Kings Park. I start at 2am, selling to the people going to the dawn service. It’s a special feeling to honour the old diggers every year.
I’ve had a few jobs through the years, before I got referred to The Big Issue by a friend. I sold The Daily News back in the day, standing at Forrest Place in Perth’s CBD. It was long before the internet and selling newspapers was much easier back then. I’ve also worked for Good Sammy, helping pick up furniture with a truck, and I sorted bottles and drove the forklift at a recycling place. But my favourite job was being a cleaner at a local shopping centre – I really liked walking around the shops, meeting lots of people.
These days I have quite a few hobbies. I’m part of the Spirit of the Streets Choir in Perth. We rehearse once a week and we sometimes go on gigs. We have a big concert coming up in October. We have afternoon tea and refreshments at the rehearsal. It’s a big choir: there’s about 50 people. My favourite song to sing is ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ by John Denver. I also like to go to the West Perth Football Club with my good friend Chris. We go to all of their home games. They play in the WAFL, and my favourite player is Shane Nelson. I’m mad about footy. I follow Carlton and the Freo Dockers. I try to go to lots of Dockers and Eagles home games at Optus Stadium.
I also have a special lady named Jodee. We got engaged on Valentine’s Day this year and she is beautiful. I recently had to go to hospital and she was visiting me a lot and was very lovely. I go dancing with Jodee every Wednesday, and I take her to the disco at the E Shed every second Friday.
I’ve had a few health issues over the last years. I suffered a heart attack last July. Doctors told me to stress less, and I’m trying to do that. I got given a Gopher mobility scooter in the last year, since I have a dodgy foot from diabetes. It makes getting around a lot easier. I also still drive my trusty old car around. It has stickers all over it, from all my favourite footy teams.
Steve sells The Big Issue at Elizabeth Quay train station and the underground, Perth
Interview by Simon Grammes
Photo by Ross Swanborough
Published in Ed#721