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$1.25 Million and Office in Redfern for The Big Issue

Premier Kristina Keneally on 4 February announced the NSW Government will provide $1.25 million funding and new free office space [in Redfern] for The Big Issue to support homelessness initiatives in NSW reports this media statement from the Premier of NSW.
The Big Issue Street Magazine Enterprise saves the community $20,000 per vendor a year by reducing the level of demand for social services.

The $1.25 million NSW Government funding will allow The Big Issue services to reach more people affected by homelessness in Sydney.

Approximately 27,000 people in NSW are homeless.

“The Big Issue’s $1.25 million funding boost complements the NSW Homelessness Action Plan which guides the State’s response to helping the homeless access accommodation and employment,” Ms Keneally said.

“Since the Homelessness Action Plan was introduced in 2009, the NSW Government has assisted more than 40,500 people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness with financial and legal services.”

The Big Issue is a not for profit organisation which aims to empower the unemployed, marginalised and homeless with opportunities to re-enter the workforce.

The organisation has assisted nearly 1,000 homeless and marginalised people since its launch in Sydney in 1997.

The $1.25 million funding will support The Big Issue’s three social enterprises:

  • The Big Issue Street Magazine Enterprise – homeless and marginalised vendors purchase copies of The Big Issue magazine for $2.50 and sell it on the streets for $5.00, keeping the difference;
  • The Big Issue Classroom – an education program employing homeless and marginalised people that works with schools, corporate and community groups to break down stereotypes and educate people about homelessness and social enterprise; and
  • The Big Issue Women’s Subscription Enterprise - provides employment and training to homeless and marginalised women through sales of subscriptions to The Big Issue magazine.

The NSW Government will also provide free office space for The Big Issue in Redfern - allowing the organisation to run a support centre for magazine vendors and office space for The Big Issue Classroom and the Women’s Subscription Enterprise.

Member for Marrickville, Carmel Tebbutt said: “The Big Issue provides an invaluable service to some of the most vulnerable people in our society, helping them to enter the workforce and become independent.”

“This $1.25 million funding is an important part of the NSW’s Government support for people who are disadvantaged and it will provide opportunities to improve the social, health and financial circumstances of the homeless.”

The Big Issue Chairperson, Sonya Clancy said: “The NSW Government’s investment in working with The Big Issue to address a critical social need in NSW is commendable.”

"I am pleased to say that from today, our ability to help more people earn an income and be actively connected back into the community will increase significantly.”

Source: www.premier.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/110204-the-big-issue.pdf