The Big Issue vendor Brian shares his story in support of Anti-Poverty Week
Losing $500,000 from gambling was the lowest point in Brian’s life. Fast-forward several decades and the 52-year-old has stable accommodation in Glengowrie and is thriving in his role as The Big Issue magazine vendor.
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Losing $500,000 from gambling was the lowest point in Brian’s life.
At just 17, he was addicted to betting on horses – an addiction that would eventually see him living on the streets.
“I started my own landscaping and gardening business when I was about 19,” says Brian, who did not want to give his last name.
“But my health deteriorated after a few years, so I sold it and made a little bit of money, but then lost it all.
“I had no money and lost all contact with family while I was trying to sort myself out … it was pretty rough.”
Today, the 52-year-old, who has partial deafness and a speech impediment, has stable accommodation in Glengowrie and is thriving in his role selling The Big Issue.
“It feels good to have a roof over my head and I’m out there doing something worthwhile instead of sitting back feeling sorry for myself,” he says.
Brian has been living in Adelaide since 2002 and occasionally travels to Queensland to visit family he has reconnected with.
“I had itchy feet and thought moving (to Adelaide) would help me to escape my problems,” he says.
“Three years ago, I flew over to Townsville for the first time for Mum’s birthday and she had the best surprise ever.”
This week is Anti-Poverty Week and Brian hopes to raise awareness of homelessness and how the public can help those in need.
“If you see someone down and out, it makes such a big difference if you buy them food, coffee or even have a chat to them,” he says.
“It’s important to remember that it (homelessness) can happen to anyone.
“You just don’t know what sort of background they’ve got.”