ISSUE NO. 15
October 2025
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Letters

Breaking Down the Stigma Surrounding Work Experience Inside

By
Jamie

Jamie writes from a prison in QLD.

Willy Pleasance

Dear About Time,

After reading Issue #13, I am looking forward to reading the highlights from the Reintegration Puzzle Conference in upcoming issues. In particular, I would appreciate “extended highlights” from the Queensland Injectors (QuIVAA) presentations. Being in Queensland and reading your newspaper, as well as queer newsletter Inside Out, our “Sunshine State” seems to be lacking the number of post-release support services that are offered and available in other states. It would be great to find out some more information about QuIVAA as well as other Queensland-based support services.

I think lived experience support services are an important reintegration tool, as well as an important support for those who are still inside, knowing that there are positive experiences and paths for us post release.

Another stigma that I think needs to be broken down is the working experience that most prisoners receive while they are serving their time. Some prisoners spend years in the same job while in prison, continually building on their skills and also training other prisoners. All this experience is then essentially washed down the drain when we walk through the gate. How can we break down this stigma to enable these skills to be used and appreciated post release?

Thanks for providing us with a great monthly source of information and entertainment.

Dear About Time,

After reading Issue #13, I am looking forward to reading the highlights from the Reintegration Puzzle Conference in upcoming issues. In particular, I would appreciate “extended highlights” from the Queensland Injectors (QuIVAA) presentations. Being in Queensland and reading your newspaper, as well as queer newsletter Inside Out, our “Sunshine State” seems to be lacking the number of post-release support services that are offered and available in other states. It would be great to find out some more information about QuIVAA as well as other Queensland-based support services.

I think lived experience support services are an important reintegration tool, as well as an important support for those who are still inside, knowing that there are positive experiences and paths for us post release.

Another stigma that I think needs to be broken down is the working experience that most prisoners receive while they are serving their time. Some prisoners spend years in the same job while in prison, continually building on their skills and also training other prisoners. All this experience is then essentially washed down the drain when we walk through the gate. How can we break down this stigma to enable these skills to be used and appreciated post release?

Thanks for providing us with a great monthly source of information and entertainment.

Staying Strong

By Mel

My name is Mel. In July, my partner overdosed while I was locked up in Tasmania. The staff there were amazing.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

A Charity Fund From Inside: Even $1 Each Would Make a Difference

By Jonathon

I want to propose a system where once a week or once a month it is an option to donate to a charity from money from our inmate accounts.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

‘I Continue to Laugh in the Face of Adversity’: Newtown’s ‘Dreamer’ Muralist on PTSD and Prison

By Andrew

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

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

Autism and Mental Illness: Prison Isn’t the Right Place

By Garry

I would just like to mention a few things I’ve noticed around prison regarding inmates with both autistic and mental illness traits. Who says these inmates are right to go to prison and not a hospital?

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

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

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