Australia's foremost magazine supporting homeless and disadvantaged people has come a long way in nearly three decades of circulation nationwide.
From a small group selling copies on the steps of Melbourne's Flinders Street Station, to more than 600 vendors on city streets across the country, The Big Issue is set to launch a landmark 700th edition.
The magazine is part of The Big Issue social enterprise, which supports and creates work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage.
David is one of 7570 vendors who have together sold more than 14 million copies of the magazine since 1996.
"You develop a lot of regulars," he said.
"It's more about your personality and if you want to work."
The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson said vendors who buy the magazine for $4.50 and sell them for $9 earn a meaningful income.
"For 27 years, the magazines purchased, connections forged with vendors, simple hellos and so much more have changed the lives of some of Australia's most vulnerable people," he said.
"We are proud to still support those on the margins with new opportunities to work, earn a meaningful income and reconnect with the community."
An overwhelming 98 per cent of participants have been able to better care for themselves while 97 per cent have improved self-confidence, according to The Big Issue Social Impact report published on Wednesday.
Almost 9 in 10 participants have been able to eat better food while a similar number said they learned new skills and reduced their need for support from social services or charities.
The Big Issue is best known for its fortnightly street magazine but it also operates other social enterprises such as the Women's Workforce, Community Street Soccer Program and The Big Issue Classroom.
Copies of the 700th edition are available from street vendors across Australia where readers can pay by cash, card or phone.
