ISSUE NO. 23
JUNE 2026

Feedback From Our Readers

Russell, from a prison in WA

Hi, I just want to send congratulations on your first issue reaching my prison. I may be a rare beast, a prisoner who is enjoying his time in prison. This is due to my work as editor of our prison quarterly newsletter and running computer-aided design (CAD) workshops for prisoners.

Mark, VIC

About Time has been a lifeline – when I was inside, it gave me a sense of purpose and feelings of camaraderie. The stories were really powerful. I have a chronic illness and suffer from intense pain, and writing for About Time has given me something to focus on and prevents me from going to dark places. Without About Time I don't know where I would be.

Subscriber, QLD

I have a son who's on remand in Darwin Corrections Centre, and as your paper isn't issued in the NT a hard copy would be great, as I can quote items to him in letters, or even copy and enclose/post articles, if that's permitted?

Please advise if a hard copy to my PO Box is possible. Just in case, I've added my address below.

Many thanks! Keep up the great work!

Jim Bryden, Inspections and Research Officer, Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services

Thankyou also for a very interesting and informative paper. Especially that it gives this office a prisoner perspective also. Keep up the good work.

Nathan, from a prison in VIC

I read the About Time newspaper every month, and I'm always looking forward to next month's one! This is my first time writing to you guys, and I want to thank you for reading my letter.

Andrew, from a prison in TAS

Hey guys, I love getting the chance to read about other prisoners all around the country each month and thought I would share my story.

Jon

Hello, I write to congratulate you on your informative/entertaining magazine and I was sorry when the Justice Action magazine folded up years ago because I was a regular contributor and great fan of their publication. Now you are here to fill a much needed gap in prison life. Can you please place me on your mailing list and I look forward to receiving further editions.

Andrew, from a prison in TAS

Hey mate, I received your letter the other day and I appreciate your reply on my story "Time Stands Still For No Man." Today we all got a copy of Issue 17 of About Time and to see that you put my story on the 2nd page made me smile. All the lads were quick to yell out and say "Is that you Leb." I was like yes boys, they were all moved by my story so I guess it done the job it was meant to do.

Elias, from a prison in TAS

Big shout out from the Tassie crew thank you for getting the paper going, can only imagine the brick walls and troubles you had to go through. Love the content you guys have, a variety and relevant information.

Oliver, from a prison in VIC

Thanks for your newspaper and printing our lives that hopefully are read by people who can make a difference. Thank you also for the encouraging articles, and inspiring us to write pieces like this one, for the short story competition. Hopefully this is the first of many time I can positively contribute.

Daniel

Give it up for this fine newspaper!!

Belly, from a prison in QLD

Thanks again for the great content in the March 2025 issue.

Celia, a partner of Anonymous in a prison in VIC

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this submission.

I know it would mean a lot to my partner if he saw it in your paper. He reads it religiously. Inside and out.

Anonymous, from a prison in VIC

Dear About Time,

Thank you for your amazing publication. I know myself and some of the other men here at Marngoneet Correctional Centre really look forward to each issue. The content is excellent and it creates that much needed connection between prisoners across the country. I find myself reading over and over each issue and always finding some new detail to appreciate. I'm not sure exactly how but, I would love to support the About Time Publication in any way I can.

I'm currently engaged in distance education via Curtin University and I'm studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences. I'm employed as the G.E.O Peer Educator here at Marngoneet. Where possible, I try to be an active and positive member of the community wherever I'm placed throughout the Victorian Corrections system. I believe it's absolutely critical to both create and support pro-social initiatives in this environment to keep prisoners engaged in meaningful, rewarding and positive ways.

My earliest release date is mid 2028 so I have plenty of time remaining to continue working on myself and supporting other prisoners where possible to change the direction of their lives for the better. Thank you for taking the time to read my note.

Zayne, from a prison in VIC

I read your paper the night previous, and a part of me that previously was dead or dying suddenly felt alive and connected to others with similar struggles and trauma… So I just want to say thanks for your newsletter/prison paper.

Joanne, WA Corrections

The papers appear to be very popular at MWP (Melaleuca Women’s Prison, WA).

Andrew, from a prison in NSW

Thanks About Time! Thanks Rosie! Publishing my writing means so much to me and gives me hope. I might use my writing to get me out of this life. Please write back with any advice or thoughts! Can't wait to see my writing in next month's edition!

Asad

I can't tell you how glad I was to see this paper come into my unit, a sign that times can and always will change the way we live, especially in prison.

Lance, from a prison in NSW

I just received a copy of issue 15 and once again I have a near overwhelming feeling of enthusiasm. Thank you.

Damien, from a prison in VIC

Thank you the guys in here all appreciate your news paper, it gives a great insight of us in here.

From a family member

Thank you for creating a safe non judgmental space, a way of communicating for our loved ones who are often forgotten by society and giving us on the outside a chance to hear from and read about what life is like inside.

Brody, from a prison in QLD

Dear About Time, thanks for your tireless efforts in making a little brightness in an otherwise dull place. I especially would like to thank you for your reply paid letters between calls, munchies and occasionally getting stoned.

Hannah, from a prison in QLD

The paper is so great. Thank you About Time!

Clayton

Articles my cellie and I appreciated in Issue #5 (November 2024): H.E.A.L., Computer Access in Cells, Reintegration/Studying After Prison, How to Write Lifestyle Stories, How to Deal with Shame, Neck, shoulder and back relaxation, Book Club – although difficult to access multiple copies of book here, Creative, Mob/Future Dreaming, Play.

Kelly

Kind regards, and many thanks for your continuous work every month to deliver yet another great monthly edition of "About Time."

Muhamed, from a prison in VIC

Thank you once again for your amazing publication. I know I speak for myself and many of the other men here at Middleton Correction Centre when I say that your publication is valued and appreciated and we look forward to its arrival each month. It certainly becomes a central discussion point in the yard in the days following its distribution here. Both myself and the other men within my accommodation lodge read over every addition repeated. Thank you for your incredible work in continuing to support, connect, and inform incarcerated men and women across the country.

David, from a prison in NSW

Thank you for the paper copy of About Time. The November and December 2025 got through to me at Long Bay. I look forward to maybe receiving them now I'm back at Nowra. Your section on Christmas Greetings was well received by inmates. A wonderful addition to the December issue. Keep up your efforts. The paper is nourishing. I'm encouraging new men to share their stories. So much talent.

Sasha Avalon

Thank you for what you do for Australian prisoners and their families.

Chris, from a prison in NSW

I saw your paper for the first time about six months ago and I read it every month – I'm hooked! I get a lot of information and ideas out of them. I love your paper and can't wait for the next issue. Thanks heaps for taking the time to read my letter.

Sam, from a prison in VIC

It's a bolstering feeling when we get the paper inside. For a moment it feels like we're being remembered as human beings – and not faceless offenders identified only by a series of numbers.

Hoani, from a prison in WA

After multiple sentences and long stints in prison, I am in the process of understanding myself and the impacts of my behaviours. I am writing to About Time to share with others what I have learnt. I hope this is helpful to others in similar situations to me.

Dave, Yorta Yorta & Ngarrindjeri, from a prison in VIC

I love seeing The Torch artwork in here – they do so much for the Mob in jail. Keep up the good work. Happy New Year to all the Black Mob behind bars.

Adam, from a prison in VIC

However, before I get into my whining, I would like to pass on my congratulations to your team for the success of your newspaper. I find that your service helps give people a voice, and that's really where my issue comes from because it would only affect a very small minority of inmates, so maybe this letter would get our voices heard.

Storm

The few that have gotten a copy are really pleased with it (including myself) though and look forward to seeing more issues from you in the future. As well as sending you some contributions. Keep up the great work, thank you and we will keep you updated on any progress with its distribution.

Donna, from a prison in SA

Firstly, I would like to say how great it is to finally have a nationwide paper focused solely on prisoners and issues relating to prisoners as people, not just prisoners. I look forward to each edition and hope it is here to stay!

Jim Bryden, Inspections and Research Officer, Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services

Another copy of About Time (April Edition) for those that are interested. Some very interesting reading in this edition with an article on needle exchange in prisons, ending strip searching in Australian prisons, and some interesting articles to read written by prisoners including one from WA. We also get a mention in one of the articles around lack of air-conditioning in various prisons (Roebourne, we are not named by referred to as oversight agency).

Simon, from a prison in NSW

Thank you so much for running my fire breathing piece in January's edition. Lovely to see it there. Happy to continue contributing into the future.

David, from a prison in SW

My "God" worked through by caring and healing others like many contributors are doing with About Time, and, with my willingness to "grow up" and cooperate with help offered, I am free – even in prison. This is the continuous "therapy" I receive from those considered on the "bottom". Never doubt your goodness.

Thank you all, my tears are the melting of my emotional iceberg! May it continue to melt!

Andrew

Dear 'Bout Time Crews!!! 'Nuff Respect, Kudos, and Vast Appreciation on your Magnificent, Pertinent and Poignant Periodical that just keeps getting better. WORD UP!!!

Wayne Hodges, from a prison in VIC

Dear About Time, Thank you for the service you do in providing a voice for those inside and outside.

Anonymous, from a prison in QLD

Thanks for your time, much appreciated.

Michael, from a prison in NSW

Thank you for taking time to read my letter and I hope to hear your response.

Luiing, from a prison in WA

My name's Luiing, from WA. I would like to say a big thanks to the publishers of About Time newspaper for creating such a good opportunity for inmates have a turn to talk and share. Thanks for shining a light on our darkness.

Johnathan, from a prison in VIC

Once again I offer congratulations for your January edition.

Mitty Williams, Trustee, The Kimberley Foundation, WA

Just want to thank you for sending me that copy of the newspaper a while back. I found it fascinating reading and so good to be reading it in paper form…

Belly, from a prison in QLD

Dear 'About Time' editors,

The poetry by Leslie at Ravenhall and Robert here at Wolston really stood out for me.

Shaun, from a prison in NSW

Thank you for your work publishing this paper. I enjoy reading and it has been a source of positivity and help for me since entering custody.

David, from a prison in NSW

Included is a poem written by Michael and my honest response of encouragement. May it offer hope to anyone who challenges themselves to choose to heal toward being a quality human. There are so many men wanting to transform. There are many who hear their pain. There are too few who truly listen. About Time gives all a voice to proclaim their sorrow and continue their amends. This challenges all to honestly listen with compassion and care. Thanks to you and your professionalism for making transformation possible.

Ashlea Borg, subscriber

Amazing, thankyou for all your/the team hard work with the magazine.

Elias, from a prison in TAS

Great work with the paper keep it up… Since reading your paper I realise other prisons go through the same issue. It's not fair or humane.

Lived Experience Worker, Thomas Embling

Person cut out published letter and put it above bed.

Kyle, from a prison in VIC

To Denham Sadler,

I liked what you wrote in the December edition.

Hoani, from a prison in WA

I have recently come by a copy of the newspaper, About Time. I read some interesting correspondence by others that are incarcerated. It is enlightening and insightful material to read and connect with on an emotional level as well as intellectually. Thank you for giving us a voice, an outlet, an opportunity for creative work and being able to share on a humanistic level our thoughts, feelings and aspirations. This is a piece I wrote. I hope it conveys my love for people, for life, and my hope for redemption.

F.T.S., from a prison in NSW

P.S. Love your work.

The Black Wraith

Hello, firstly I must congratulate you for your latest publication and I must tell you that many people including officers read and enjoy, so keep it up.

Ollie

This is the first time we have seen your newsletter, I found it informative and entertaining.

Bradley, from a prison in TAS

PS. and a big thank you to Australia's National Prison Newspaper and everyone that has published something – onya!

Andrew

I'm a big fan of your magazine/newspaper and I look forward to it each month. I enjoy reading things written by other inmates like myself across the country.

Deb Turner, subscriber in VIC

Hi Edith!

I've just listened to Joseph's podcast on ABC RN. What a relatable, informative and honest conversation!

As you may recall my eldest son is serving a sentence in Berrimah prison, Darwin. I am based in Victoria.

With the arrival each edition of AT (once I've read it myself) I cut out the stories and articles I think he'd like, number each cut-out and put them in envelopes, 7 clippings at a time (no bigger than 7 x A4 pages is allowed).

I can usually keep it to 2 envelopes but sometimes 3 are necessary!  It's a hassle, but one I don't really mind doing because I know he appreciates the information therein. Those articles, by other prisoners he doesn't know, somehow lessen the physical and mental isolation often experienced.

The podcast, and Joseph's obvious enthusiasm to create change via the contributions and distribution of AT have led me to ask, what can I do to help get the paper approved in the NT prison system, perhaps one of the most understaffed, overcrowded and politically-unique systems in the country.

Is there any power in writing to particular entities to outline the benefits and try to persuade them to allow it's distribution, and if so, who are those entities?

Joseph has given me renewed inspiration and  I'm very keen to get this happening. Please let's know if/how I can help!

Many thanks.

Karie, from Numinbah CC

Keep up the good work. The girls at Numinbah enjoy reading your paper.

Just thought I'd send in some words of I guess comfort to those having a hard time.

Johnny, from a prison in VIC

Thank you for your newspapers, you do a fantastic job of being entertaining as well as resourceful.

Kerrin

This paper is getting better with every edition. On behalf of prisoners everywhere, thank you.

Caitlin, from a prison in NSW

I loved the article on autism. I've been in jail since January 2024 and was diagnosed in March/April 2024. I relate to Ashleigh's experience as females tend to mask their autism to try to fit in with everyone.

Charlotte Lee

My husband got his copy of the August edition today and was very delighted. Thank you for the work you and Rosie do. We need more people like you.

Sina, from a prison in QLD

Thank you for taking the time to read my poetry submission.

Dr Gary Nicholls, Executive Medical Director, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network NSW

Thanks Edith. I like to receive the paper – it's good to hear from people with lived experience for my role.

Garth, from a prison in QLD

I really liked the Bits & Pieces section – more of that would be great.

Could you please include more two-person games or activities we can do in our cells when locked in?

Is there any possibility of starting a pen pal system, where people can write in and be connected with others?

I'd love to see articles on how to write better – anything to help us improve.

Thanks for the paper – it's something a lot of us look forward to.

Daniel

Already, by my enthusiasm, and seeing my article painted, interest in the paper is taking off. More believe they are able to be heard [read]. Slowly this will encourage others. To have their opinions in print is a boost to their value of self-respect.

Joseph and his team are beginning a remarkable journey towards quality communication assisting men to find their self-respect and worth as human beings!

This adds another step in the "ladder" to restorative justice in reality. A healing power. Wow!

Thomas, from Borallon Training and Correctional Centre in Queensland

Firstly, I thank you and your personnel for the production of About Time. I find it most informative and enlightening.

David

Your December, 2024 issue of 'About Time' lived up to a standard of quality journalism second to none. Thanks to your staff and all who contributed letters, stories, artwork, sound information, legal opinions, humour, therapies to enable transformation and the like.

Mark, from a prison in VIC

Thanks for reading, I hope it made some sense, I love the About Time paper and what it does for the world.

David

Again, congratulations to you and your staff for "About Time". I am so impressed.

Zachary, from a prison in QLD

A big shout out to you guys for printing such a great newspaper. Personally I love and look forward to every issue…

Please keep up the great newspaper. I can tell you it's a light in our otherwise dark prison lives – especially those of us without much support and interaction from the outside.

David Peake, MP

We’ll continue to read About Time with interest – Denham Sadler’s recent article was excellent, so congratulations to you and the team on the work you’re doing.

Axel, from a prison in VIC

When I get out, I am going to use my skills as a songwriter/performer to start a business and entertain people. I will look forward to seeing future issues and reading about people's journeys through their hardship.

I will continue to read About Time and contribute, as I thoroughly enjoy reading people's stories and writing to others.

Thank you for reading and never stop smiling.

Paul, father of Jake incarcerated in VIC

About Time arrived yesterday, and both my wife and I would like to thank you very much for sending it to us. It is a very interesting newspaper and it must be of benefit to a lot of inmates. Thank you again Edith.

Chris, from a prison in VIC

Just want to thank you for all the effort you all put into getting a national prison newspaper to everyone inside. I've been to many location in VIC and see many inmates enjoying the content so thank you for all the hard work (we appreciate you all).

Lucia, subscriber

Love your work. I work in AOD and love bringing in your newspaper. The people who use the service look forward to its arrival and we always end up having great chats whilst reading through the paper together.

Alex, from a prison in VIC

I thank you for your time and consideration regarding these matters and I greatly look forward to hearing from you.

Belly, from a prison in QLD

I am writing today to thank you for all the hard work involved in putting together and 'getting out' the National Prison Newspaper that I received for the first time here in Queensland.

Trieste, from a prison in QLD

I am writing in regards to the writing competition. I would like to acknowledge and give thanks to country, elders past, present and future. I am very grateful for this opportunity and am excited to add this experience to my resume.

Carolyn, from a prison in VIC

Thank you Denham for writing back to me about the lockdowns happening here at DPFC. And I especially say thanks for your guidance in writing the article. Thank you again for all your help with this.

Rachel, from a prison in QLD

Wow, I won the caption comp for December... I've never won anything and the whole jail is congratulating me. Our jail was never told about your newspaper, but in November 2023 it just showed up and all 120 girls at NCC love it. So please, please keep it up. Thank you for the write up on pen pal programs – I've been in jail for four and a half years and always watch a show called Love After Lockup based on the USA pen pal project... Anyway guys, thank you for your newspaper. We eagerly await it every month here at Numinbah CC.

Simon, from a prison in NSW

The articles and stories you read in 'About Time' and other outlets change lives. They have the power to help people to make informed choices. And they can also inspire readers to think in different ways and try different things. Being a writer is exciting and rewarding. So, this article is for all those people who have tinkered with the idea of penning a story. This publication, like all publications, is always on the lookout for fresh talent.

David, from a prison in NSW

Since the very first edition was released in July 2024, About Time has been faithfully producing monthly editions. I know firsthand how widely it circulates: across prisons throughout the country, whether in printed form or through the iPads available to inmates. The response among prisoners, including myself, has been overwhelmingly positive. What makes About Time unique is that its content speaks directly to the lived experience of those of us on the inside. It offers practical information, but it is also deeply creative and artistic. The poems, stories, and artwork published give prisoners something that prison usually strips away-our voice. Here, identity is often reduced to our MIN number, our sense of personhood is eroded day by day. Yet when an inmate's words or artwork appear in About Time, that person is recognised again as fully human, capable of thought, creativity, and contribution. Equally important is the rehabilitative effect. Too often, boredom and frustration inside prison breed conflict, misconduct, and despair. About Time offers a powerful alternative: it channels energy into productive and meaningful work. Instead of wasting away or finding trouble, inmates can discover new skills, pursue creativity, and experience the pride of positive achievement. This not only improves mental health and prison culture in the short term, but also strengthens the likelihood of successful reintegration and reduces the risk of reoffending once inmates are released. Because of About Time, inmates are enabled to see the possibility of real change. There is no other service in Australia that reaches us in this way.

Micky, from a prison in NSW

In all this time, we have so badly needed exactly what 'About Time' newsletters provide. So many of us incarcerated greatly appreciate the space you guys provide for us all to stay connected, for the sense of community it creates and the information you provide that we otherwise would never have. So thank you About Time!... Thanks for taking the time to read my letter. Thanks again, you guys are great!

Ronin

We finally got our newspaper in Queensland and I was blown away. Really good job. It's good to read how other prisoners think and feel and awesome that we now have some sort of platform to reach out to the community with.

Lee, from a prison in NSW

Firstly, let me say, only recently discovered your publication while flicking through the resources on my tablet but have now gone through and read all the back issues available.. it's fantastic and look forward to its release each month. Again, love your work, keep it up and keep on smiling.

Jon

Big congratulations on the newspaper, you have no idea how many of us read your paper and how much it helps us boys to know and hear so many of us are going through the same stuff.

David

Thank you and congratulations on the publication of the national prisoner's newspaper, 'About Time'. Already, men in my pod are taking up the opportunity, with great enthusiasm, to write of their honest experiences and share their many talents grateful to be given a voice. To be respected. Your initiative is offering many the 'therapy' necessary to earn back self-respect and enabling them to choose to find a purpose for good, while they make their amends during their incarceration. They say: 'The pen is mightier than the sword'. To see their contributions in print will be the first time for some that they have been 'heard' and may enable them with respect to transform their lives - to honestly rehabilitate. The paper is well-read and discussed. The smiles on faces knowing some of the contributors is encouraging.

Jessica, from a prison in NSW

I have been reading About Time since issue one and I'm loving it so far.

Benjamin Aitken

I'm very grateful and proud to be a part of this great thing you and Rosie are doing, truly.

Welcome to About Time

About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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Help Us Keep Publishing About Time

Without About Time, I don’t know where I would be – Mark, from a prison in Victoria

We need your help so that we can print and distribute the paper to every person in every prison for at least the next year. We value whatever you can spare, no matter how big or small.

Australia’s prison population is growing, and our many prisons are spread far and wide.

We need your help so that we can print and distribute the paper to every person in every prison for at least the next year. We need your help to cover postage for anyone who sends us a letter from the inside.

We value whatever you can spare, no matter how big or small.