Celebrating 30 Years of The Big Issue

Three Decades of Making a Difference

There was plenty of reason to celebrate at Woden Youth Centre recently as community members, partners, vendors and supporters came together to mark 30 years of The Big Issue. Three decades of creating opportunities, changing lives and supporting people.

The celebration brought together some of the people who make The Big Issue such an important part of our community, including Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, the dedicated Big Issue team and, most importantly, the incredible vendors who head out onto Canberra’s streets each day to sell magazines.

The event was an opportunity to recognise the commitment, resilience and hard work of vendors who show up rain, hail or shine, often becoming familiar and much-loved faces in local shopping centres, town centres and community spaces across the ACT.

Together we shared stories, cut a birthday cake and reflected on the impact The Big Issue has had over the past 30 years through its innovative social enterprise model. Since its launch, The Big Issue has provided thousands of people across Australia with the opportunity to earn an income, develop confidence and build connections with their communities through the simple act of selling a magazine.

A Special Birthday Edition

To celebrate the milestone, The Big Issue has released a special 30th Anniversary edition that looks back on three decades of stories, achievements and community impact.

The bumper 68-page birthday edition features reflections from vendors, interviews with famous supporters and a countdown of memorable moments from The Big Issue’s history. It celebrates the people who have shaped the publication over the years while looking ahead to the future and continuing its mission of supporting those who need it most.

Support Your Local Vendor

Every copy of The Big Issue purchased directly supports the vendor who sells it. More than just a magazine, it represents opportunity, independence and connection.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we encourage everyone to pick up a copy of the special 30th Anniversary edition from one of our local vendors across Canberra. You will not only discover some fantastic stories but also help continue a program that has been creating meaningful change for 30 years.

Here’s to the vendors, the staff, the supporters and everybody who has been part of The Big Issue journey.

Interested in becoming a Big Issue vendor? Click here to find out more