Published: Wednesday 31st January 2018

The Big Issue is more than a great magazine. It is a social enterprise that creates opportunities for meaningful work for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged Australians. Since its launch in 1996, more than 11 million copies of the magazine have been sold by 6,500 vendors.

Next week, The Big Issue celebrates International Vendor Week from 6-12 February with their annual CEO Selling campaign. The campaign partners guest sellers, including our own Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Greg Craven, with Big Issue vendors to raise awareness of the magazine and the positive impact it has on vendors’ lives.

Professor Craven will be working with a vendor named Phil to sell copies of The Big Issue outside the Mary Glowery building on Melbourne Campus next Tuesday, 6 February, from 12.30-1.00pm.

Professor Craven said: “Community engagement is at the heart of the Australian Catholic University, providing our staff and students with meaningful and practical opportunities to live our commitment to serving the common good. I am excited to participate in The Big Issue’s CEO Selling event, because, among other things, it is an opportunity for me to demonstrate my personal commitment to community engagement. I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday when you come to buy the magazine and show your support for marginalised and disadvantaged Australians.”

The Vice Chancellor’s participation in CEO Selling builds on ACU’s existing relationship with The Big Issue. In August 2017, leaders from ACU participated in The Big Issue’s Corporate Challenge, an experience which the participants described as the highlight of the EPG Retreat. Also in 2017, the National School of Arts participated in the Big Idea Competition – linked to the Big Issue – and will be offering this inspiring opportunity to students again in 2018.

Pro Vice Chancellor Engagement, Professor Sandra Jones said: “ACU Engagement is delighted to expand on our partnership with The Big Issue. This not-for-profit social enterprise shares ACU’s commitment to the common good and the dignity of the human person. We encourage all of our staff and students to support this organisation that has a real impact on people’s lives. If you can’t make it to the Melbourne Campus on Tuesday, keep a look out for your local vendor, stop and say hello, and pick up a copy of The Big Issue.”

Find out more about The Big Issue’s CEO Selling campaign here: https://www.thebigissue.org.au/news/2018/01/31/ceoselling-2018/

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