South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty and The Big Issue distributor Chris Ungvary.
Camera IconSouth Perth Mayor Sue Doherty and The Big Issue distributor Chris Ungvary. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty becomes The Big Issue vendor

Lauren PilatSouthern Gazette

CITY of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty supports the local community and is not one to shy away from the big issues important to residents.

Ms Doherty took to the street this week in support of The Big Issue magazine and became a vendor for the afternoon supporting local distributor Chris Ungvary.

State operations manager WA Andrew Joske said the vendors were the whole reason The Big Issue existed.

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“The magazine provides meaningful work opportunities to people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage,” he said.

“Vendors earn a life-changing income from selling The Big Issue.

“But for many vendors it’s about more than money, it’s about having a sense of pride and purpose, making connections with customers and being part of a community.”

Standing by Mr Ungvary’s side on the corner of Angelo and Anstey streets, Ms Doherty sold the independent publication full of “heart warming” stories.

“I frequently buy The Big Issue, it is something that’s close to my heart and it’s really important to support people who sell it,” she said.

“Selling The Big Issue gives people a sense of purpose and in many cases it puts them on a path that they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to follow before.”

Since launching in Australia in 1996, 7000 vendors have sold more than 11 million copies of The Big Issue that has raised more than $27 million to support people who are homeless, marginalised or disadvantaged.