"The Big Issue Australia is an independent organisation that develops and operates social enterprises and creative, sustainable solutions to homelessness; providing opportunities for homeless and marginalised people to positively change their lives.

We are an agent for social change, using entrepreneurial practices and sound business strategy to promote social inclusion and alleviate poverty in Australia. Our innovative programs and services focus on helping people who are socially disadvantaged, and may otherwise slip through the cracks, to build confidence and the capacity to help themselves.

This is achieved by using various mechanisms to connect people with the community, such as the Street Magazine Enterprise, theCommunity Street Soccer Program, the Women's Subscriptions Enterprise and The Big Issue Classroom.

The people who participate in our programs come from a range of backgrounds including mental illness, homelessness, long-term unemployment, intellectual and physical disability, drug and alcohol dependency, family breakdown and others suffering from social isolation, such refugees.

The Big Issue Australia's is proudly non-judgemental and welcoming to all, treating all people with dignity and respect, and promoting independence and self-reliance."

- The Big Issue Website

www.thebigissue.org.au