ISSUE NO. 20
March 2026
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Letters

‘Don’t Be A Statistic’: A Message To Those Getting Out Soon

By
Vanessa

Vanessa writes from a prison in QLD.

Willy Pleasance

To About Time,

My name is Vanessa, I’m 27 and incarcerated at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre.

It’s my first time in jail and unfortunately the start to the vicious failed justice system cycle. It’s just unfortunate that some of the most respectful down to earth people are sitting here in jail.

Some of the best people that make some silly mistakes because of drugs that aren’t even what they used to be like.

So I guess my message is to those getting out soon. Remember the people that offer you drugs when you get out, they are not your friends. You are better than that.

Don’t be a statistic, be that person your kids need you to be.

Teach them to learn from your mistakes not to follow them. Be role models and don’t let the system trap you. We are all better than that.

To About Time,

My name is Vanessa, I’m 27 and incarcerated at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre.

It’s my first time in jail and unfortunately the start to the vicious failed justice system cycle. It’s just unfortunate that some of the most respectful down to earth people are sitting here in jail.

Some of the best people that make some silly mistakes because of drugs that aren’t even what they used to be like.

So I guess my message is to those getting out soon. Remember the people that offer you drugs when you get out, they are not your friends. You are better than that.

Don’t be a statistic, be that person your kids need you to be.

Teach them to learn from your mistakes not to follow them. Be role models and don’t let the system trap you. We are all better than that.

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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