03/06/2010

On Thursday 27 May, around 50 people gathered for a presentation by the wonderful Robyn Moore. While most of those there hadn’t heard her name before, she was instantly recognisable as the voice behind some of Australia’s most well known commercials. She’s also responsible for the female voices in ‘How Green is my Cactus’ and for the voice of Blinky Bill.

Robyn’s many voices had the audience laughing, but she also shared powerful stories about the good and bad times in life, and ideas on how to get through them. She emphasised the importance of being able to laugh even in darkest moments, as well as accepting that life does have some sad times.

The event started as an idea for training for Big Issue vendors, but broadened to become a rare opportunity for people from across the community sector to hear Robyn, who spends much of her time talking at high powered corporate functions.

The Big Issue is a magazine sold in public places around Canberra by people who are homeless, marginalised or disadvantaged people.

Selling the magazine provides vendors with the opportunity to earn an income and be actively included in society. In Canberra, The Big Issue is run through Woden Community Service.

For more information on The Big Issue, call Julie and Stuart on 6234 6813, or email thebigissue@wcs.org.au.

Laurence thanked Robyn on behalf of the vendors and presented her with a Big Issue cap.

Michelle, who sells The Big Issue in Woden on Monday and Thursday mornings, could have been Robyn's sister, with their similar hairstyles and colour choice.