ISSUE NO. 10
May 2025
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Letters

“Remotely” Frustrating

By
Jeffery

Jeffery writes from Woodford Correctional Centre in Queensland.

Willy Pleasance

I am new to the prison system and am a little over the age of retirement.

One particular issue that frustrates, not only the elderly but all (most) of the inmates here at Woodfood Correctional Centre (W.C.C), is that we are not permitted to possess TV remote controls. It defies fairness and equality that other QLD prisons (and their inmates) have an entitlement to have remote controls for their 450mm (18 inches) TV sets.

Consideration of the following points by the prison management of W.C.C could be that:

  1. Other prisons allow remotes;
  2. Increases in inmate numbers justify a little increase in cell-sharing comfort;
  3. A lot of prisoners are either:
    • On remand;
    • Low classification;
    • Are awaiting release: pending bail, parole or the like;
    • A number of disabled inmates with physical or mental problems.
  4. W.C.C can apply privilege and/or entitlement in relation to inmates’ behaviour and/or classification; and
  5. Inmates incur the costs.

P.A.C. (Prisoner Advisor Committee) meetings between the prisoner representatives and prison management representatives have been unproductive for the past year about this.

All we are asking for is a basic improvement to our living conditions and a definite morale booster for deserving inmates.

Note: without remotes, certain functions are wasted/not available.

Yours sincerely,

Jeffery

I am new to the prison system and am a little over the age of retirement.

One particular issue that frustrates, not only the elderly but all (most) of the inmates here at Woodfood Correctional Centre (W.C.C), is that we are not permitted to possess TV remote controls. It defies fairness and equality that other QLD prisons (and their inmates) have an entitlement to have remote controls for their 450mm (18 inches) TV sets.

Consideration of the following points by the prison management of W.C.C could be that:

  1. Other prisons allow remotes;
  2. Increases in inmate numbers justify a little increase in cell-sharing comfort;
  3. A lot of prisoners are either:
    • On remand;
    • Low classification;
    • Are awaiting release: pending bail, parole or the like;
    • A number of disabled inmates with physical or mental problems.
  4. W.C.C can apply privilege and/or entitlement in relation to inmates’ behaviour and/or classification; and
  5. Inmates incur the costs.

P.A.C. (Prisoner Advisor Committee) meetings between the prisoner representatives and prison management representatives have been unproductive for the past year about this.

All we are asking for is a basic improvement to our living conditions and a definite morale booster for deserving inmates.

Note: without remotes, certain functions are wasted/not available.

Yours sincerely,

Jeffery

Sistas, Support Each Other!

By Anonymous

This letter is to remind you all that, as Sistas, we need to be there for one another to raise women up.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

2 MIN READ

Strip Searches

By Nikita

It’s daunting enough when you get arrested by police, then placed into custody and thrown into a cell. Then you have to go through a degrading strip search.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

1 MIN READ

If It’s Broken, Then Fix It

By Andrew

I’ve spent most of my adult life behind bars, and I’m not proud to say it. It’s been such a bloody waste.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

3 MIN READ

Routine is Good, Not Bad

By Dane

Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time in prison can relate to the concept of prison rituals and routines.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

3 MIN READ

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