ISSUE NO. 21
April 2026
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Letters

‘The Best End is a Brand New Beginning’

By
Emma-Lee

Emma-Lee writes from a prison in QLD.

Willy Pleasance

Dear About Time,

After being trapped in a DV relationship and now gaining a record and PTSD from it, it has taken me quite a bit of time, and for him to be deported, for me to be able to look myself in the mirror and recognise myself again.

I’ve found that writing and drawing helps me to strengthen my mindset, allowing me to be able to rebuild my self-worth and my confidence once again.

I can say that this time inside has given me the chance to evaluate the things that are important to me, and now I am looking forward to my release back into the community so I can be granted the chance to install the positive changes
in my life.

I wish all those out there in similar situations and/or mindsets all the positive vibes to allow them the chance for happiness within in themselves and within their lives.

My Mind’s Own Insanity

Stuck up here in my own mind,

Overthinking everything all the time,

A negative thought so easy to find,

But a positive thought would be so sublime,

To keep myself from being trapped in my mind’s own insanity.

I need to continually remind myself,

To start thinking more positively,

And feed the positivity,

Instead of the negativity,

You see it only breeds more negativity,

I’d rather find a friend within me,

Instead of being my very own worst enemy,

Keeping me trapped up in the chains of my mind’s own insanity.

By Emma-Lee

Dear About Time,

After being trapped in a DV relationship and now gaining a record and PTSD from it, it has taken me quite a bit of time, and for him to be deported, for me to be able to look myself in the mirror and recognise myself again.

I’ve found that writing and drawing helps me to strengthen my mindset, allowing me to be able to rebuild my self-worth and my confidence once again.

I can say that this time inside has given me the chance to evaluate the things that are important to me, and now I am looking forward to my release back into the community so I can be granted the chance to install the positive changes
in my life.

I wish all those out there in similar situations and/or mindsets all the positive vibes to allow them the chance for happiness within in themselves and within their lives.

My Mind’s Own Insanity

Stuck up here in my own mind,

Overthinking everything all the time,

A negative thought so easy to find,

But a positive thought would be so sublime,

To keep myself from being trapped in my mind’s own insanity.

I need to continually remind myself,

To start thinking more positively,

And feed the positivity,

Instead of the negativity,

You see it only breeds more negativity,

I’d rather find a friend within me,

Instead of being my very own worst enemy,

Keeping me trapped up in the chains of my mind’s own insanity.

By Emma-Lee

Lessons from Bees

By Muhamed

Prison teaches people to hold back. To keep to themselves. To give as little as possible. To protect what little energy or hope they have left. When everything feels limited – time, freedom, trust – it makes sense to think that giving more will leave you with less. But the bee lives by a different rule.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 22

2 MIN READ

Albany Prisoners on Lockdowns

By Prisoners at Albany Prison, WA

We are not sure who to write to or who we can talk to about theses matters. We are hoping someone reads our letter and can point us in the right direction to have our voices heard.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 22

1 MIN READ

Rights for Foreign Prisoners

By Luiing

If foreign prisoners have been sentenced under same law as Australians, then it’s extremely important that they have right to be treat equally in their imprisonment – on humanitarian grounds.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 22

2 MIN READ

Not Cool: Heat and Overcrowding in TMCC

By Dane

The following is in response to the article by Denham Sadler titled “Sweltering Behind Bars: Stifling Heat in Australian prisons”.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 22

2 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

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

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