Magazine has a job to do

By Sarah Schwager
THE Big Issue has come to Dandenong.
The magazine, which provides jobs for the homeless, longterm unemployed and residents suffering from social isolation, is now available in Dandenong central, after the City of Greater Dandenong approved its distribution in the area.
Greater Dandenong social development manager Mark Patterson said council had granted permission for vendors to sell the magazine in Walker Street, Dandenong, and at the Dandenong Railway Station.
“The Big Issue is an independent current affairs and entertainment magazine sold in towns and cities around Australia and, unlike conventional magazines, is sold on the streets by vendors seeking to positively change their lives,” he said.
The Big Issue Victorian regional development coordinator, George Halkias, said local government support was important for the success of the magazine.
“Creating jobs for local residents, many who suffer with a mental illness, are disabled, or are socially isolated, is important to the magazine’s philosophy,” Mr Halkias said.
“It is about spreading the word of a nonpolitical, nonreligious magazine that is registered as a Benevolent Institution. The fact that Greater Dandenong council has welcomed the magazine is fantastic.”
Mr Patterson said having the magazine in Dandenong was an important step in helping residents positively change their lives by allowing them to socially interact with fellow residents, and earn money at the same time.
“A vendor has been recruited and trained to sell the magazine in Dandenong and the Big Issue has formed a partnership with Hanover Welfare Services to provide a local base and ongoing support for the local vendor,” Mr Patterson said.
Mr Halkias said thanks to additional funding through the State Government’s Community Support Fund, the Big Issue would be expanding to outer metropolitan and regional areas identified as having longterm unemployment.
He said all vendors receive training, signed a code of conduct and wore identification.
He said vendors kept half of the $4 cover price, which was their income.
“We encourage businesses in the area to get behind the local vendors because ultimately this is about creating employment for the local area and giving back to the community,” Mr Halkias said.