The Big Issue unveils Working For Home campaign via Town Square as 
vendors return to the streets

As Australia emerges from pandemic lockdown, The Big Issue vendors are returning to city streets across Australia. A new campaign from Town Square announces that it’s back to business for vendors, proudly selling the magazine to earn their way out of homelessness, disadvantage and marginalisation.

The Working For Home campaign makes a bold and simple statement, playing off a phrase that has become all too common to the Australian workforce since the coronavirus restrictions were imposed. This is an optimistic, forward-looking campaign, reminding us that The Big Issue vendors are working every day to support themselves. Each self-employed Big Issue vendor buys copies of the fortnightly magazine for half the cover price and retains the retail margin as their income.

Town Square, which has been working with The Big Issue on a pro bono basis for a number of years, developed the campaign in association with Carat, who has secured impressive exposure, including donated media on TV, radio, press, OOH and online.

Says Steven Persson, CEO at The Big Issue: “Across the lockdown, The Big Issue turned to digital editions to keep our readers as engaged as possible, and set up a fund to provide immediate assistance to at-risk vendors. But now that restrictions are lifting in many of our cities, our vendors are returning to work, seeking to support themselves just like the rest of the Australian workforce. This campaign is our proud announcement that vendors are back, earning an income. We look forward to seeing more Big Issue readers enjoy the magazine, knowing that purchasing a copy is helping some of the most disadvantaged in our community to earn a living.”

Says Harry Corsham, director at Town Square: “COVID-19 has been hard on us all but the lock-down has hit the disadvantaged harder than most. This campaign plays with language to remind us of this, with a simple, optimistic message that invites people to show a bit of social solidarity at a tough time, by supporting the smallest local business on their block. We are grateful to everyone who has donated their time and resources to make this campaign happen.”

Sue Squillace, CEO of Carat ANZ, said the agency has no hesitation when it comes to helping in times like this: “It’s not only rewarding to witness the generosity of our long-term media partners, but seeing how quickly they responded when asked to support this great cause has been overwhelming. I’m also very proud of the Carat team and their collaborative and passionate approach during this campaign.”

Please note: 
Vendors in Melbourne are currently not selling due to COVID-19 restrictions. They will return to street selling once it is deemed safe to do so.

Listen to the radio:

The Big Issue
CEO: Steven Persson
National Communications & Partnerships Manager: Steph Say
Marketing & Events Manager: Hope Oliver

Town Square
Creative Director: Brendan Day
Copywriter: Kevin Dolan
Art Director: Benny Moore
Chief Strategy Officer: Neville Doyle
Account Director: Jessica Hay
Producer: Bec Stielow
Editor: Jimmy Walker

Production Company: Picture Co.
Director / DOP: Nathan Christoffel
Sound Recordist / Photographer: Jess Curry
Sound Studio: Bang Bang Studios
Despatch: Peach

Carat
Client Leader: Janine Virtue
Client Director: Adelle Sturges
Client Manager: Jade Bailey