People with Purpose: Stories from the street
Posted on 11 Sep 2024
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
More than 13 years after she began selling copies of the Big Issue, Perth-based Kellie isn't ready to give up the smiles from friendly customers any time soon.
Tell us a little about your background?
I was born in Perth but spent time growing up here and also nine years in Broome.
I have two beautiful boys, aged 19 and 11 years old. I'm mad about sports and play netball, basketball, footy and cricket.
How did you become involved in selling The Big Issue?
I started selling The Big Issue in 2011.
I had a friend who was a vendor who told me all about it. I took a short break when my second son was born, but I got back to work pretty quickly.
"I always say 'good morning' and 'how do you do' to people when I'm on pitch. People are usually really friendly."
How would you describe interacting with people on the street that you offer the magazine to?
I always say "good morning" and "how do you do" to people when I'm on pitch.
People are usually really friendly. Sometimes customers or passersby stop for a chat.
I have all sorts of customers, but most of them are women.
Has it become harder to sell The Big Issue with people carrying less cash?
It's a little harder to sell magazines since people stopped carrying much cash, but being able to do cashless payments has helped a lot.
Why do you think it is important that people read The Big Issue?
The Big Issue is a great magazine to read, it has good stories, street sheets, puzzles and games, and it has profiles of the vendors.
When anyone buys a magazine, it helps the vendors out with money.