Every day we receive letters from people in prison. Many share the impact of About Time on their lives. Readers have told us that they feel as if they have a voice for the very first time. Some talk about how the paper has helped them connect to others and lessen isolation. Many talk about the educative benefit of the paper, while others praise the newfound hope and sense of self-worth they feel reading a publication just for them. Here are all of their words.
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.
I have been in prison for over 13 years and I want to say that your newspaper is an amazing opportunity for all who have put the time in and it has been very well received throughout the Victorian Prison System.
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 2024 it just showed up and all 120 girls 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.
This is my first time and I must say, stumbling across About Time has made things so much better. The open, honest, raw and relatable articles are real gems and resonate hugely.
Anyway, I felt compelled to contribute so here follows a few submissions for your consideration.
About Time
There is a great paper 'About Time',
Which is free and won't cost you a dime,
With articles galore,
It is never a bore,
And provides a refreshing angle on crime!
I am thankful for any and all social and creative outlets such as yourselves involved in the creation and distribution of your newspaper. They provide a link or window to another place, an opening for personal expression and a greater sense of community for those who choose to make use of the opportunities. Writing a book review for a peer newsletter that might only be read by a hundred or so inmates at one prison may not change the world, but having someone stop you in the yard to tell you that they were impressed with your writing is valuable and reinvigorating.
It was great to see prisoners being spoken of in a constructive and positive way, as I'm sure you're aware that isn't the norm in Australia. I look forward to hearing back from you and hopefully reading your newspaper.
Congratulations on the launch of About Time. I can only imagine how many obstacles you have navigated to successfully sail the product into Australia's prisons, and from where I sit it was very warmly received by the inmates, security and medical staff that I share time with. Well done, and thank you for delivering us something we didn't know we needed until we received it.
I love this newspaper and enjoy reading it from front to back and back to front. I really enjoy looking at the artworks. You published one of my artworks, DEEP OCEAN, so thank you. I am very proud of that artwork. I taught myself to do art as I was severely bullied and abused, mentally, and physically, growing up and until this very day and I find it is good escape for my mental health. It helps me copy with all the bullshit and bullying that goes on in this place, that I've called home for the past 9 years. I have a minimum of 6 years left to go and then hopefully I can leave this place behind me. I'm not sure where I will restart my life once I'm out, but I guess I still have time to sort that out lol. Well that's all I wanted to say so thank you and keep up the wonderful work.
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.
This paper deserves all the support it can get. A way for prisoners to express their honest stories and gifts. A real way to heal and rehabilitate encouraging others to do the same.
I've been following your paper and I love it. I find it very cool and entertaining.
To About Time,
Thank you for your newspaper. I look forward to reading it each month. Its great! I enjoyed it from the first time I read it last year. Its made me feel connected, seen & heard. When I first went to jail I felt really alone and your newspaper helped me so much. Someone – well lots of someones – got how I felt. They understood. Thank you for that. I've written this poem while incarcerated. I really hope you will publish it for me.
Keep up the hard work – we need you guys.
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.
First I would to thank anyone who has been and is involved with About Time. As a "first timer" this paper is a vital vehicle for information of prison life from across the nation, I look forward to every issue and it reminds me there is life waiting outside.
Thank you for the gift of your newspaper. A simple idea to spread a good word or thought via written media to the Australian prison population – and beyond – makes more of a difference to us, than anyone who hasn't done prison time could ever know.
Keep up the good work, I love reading About Time as I find some sections informative and interesting.
This is my first time writing to About Time. I love reading articles that been published. I find them fascinating to read, so I thought of writing an article and share what I have to say. I hope that you find my article interesting to read and also be published. Writing stories has inspired me to keep my head up and smile, being 7 months in.
Thank you to all those that support this paper and care about us inside. For the first time feel like it could cause a connection or respect, gratitude that our system is finally coming to light/improvement.
Firstly, I thank you and your personnel for the production of About Time. I find it most informative and enlightening.
Kind regards, and many thanks for your continuous work every month to deliver yet another great monthly edition of "About Time".
Thank you for taking time to read my letter and I hope to hear your response.
Keep up the good work, good vibes, and great paper. I'm sure everyone in jail really appreciates your efforts (including me!).
Thank you all very much for the outstanding work and effort. The paper is a much needed blessing for all of us.
Dear About Time,
Firstly, I love you newspaper.
P.S. Love your work.
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.
I'm writing to you guys, because I'm a big fan of the work you do and what the newspaper represents, and because I'd like to share some advice and tips on how to make the most of your time inside.
Congratulations on your 12th issue. One year seems so fast when you look back on it. I look forward to each and every issue, thanks again.
Thanks Edith. I like to receive the paper – it's good to hear from people with lived experience for my role.
With care and solidarity.
Heard of your work on radio national well done.
Keep up the fight.
Keep up the great work guys
Submitting writing to About Time made me feel valued, I can read about what other people go through. The response I got was validating and my poem got posted, it was really nice to feel appreciated and recognised. I love reading About Time, it makes me feel not so alone in prison and more informed too. Thank you for doing About Time.
I've been reading your newspapers for a while now, all the way back to Issue 1, and I suppose, like some people, I had my doubts about the longevity as I've seen many things that can be informative and beneficial to us all just fade into nothing in a short period of time. So far, so good, and I do enjoy reading peoples' letters with meaningful dialogue, so I hope and pray that, through all our interests and contributions, you're in it for the long haul. Sincerely and with thanks for all that you're doing for all and sundry.
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.
Keep up the good work. The girls enjoy reading your paper.
Just thought I'd send in some words of I guess comfort to those having a hard time.
Thanks for publishing my article in Issue 14. Reading through it, I came across another article that got my attention: "The Dark Side of Gains" by Ronin Cruise. Anyway, great paper, keep it rolling.
I am so proud that I get to welcome our NT people in prison to your very first issue of About Time! This is your newspaper, so please write in and send pictures, stories, poems and whatever else fits.
I look forward to hearing from people in the NT writing into About Time and making the newspaper your own.
It arrived yesterday thank you so much! The residents really enjoy reading them.
Thank you! I spread the word About Time when I can.
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.
Thank you for the newspapers and taking the time to read my letter.
About Time is now my favourite paper in prison. Just because we're in prison doesn't mean everyone would forget about us. With About Time – we are not forgotten. Thank you.
Congratulations - I just heard about the newspaper via the 7am podcast. Fantastic. I used to work at Fremantle Prison a long time ago and we were always trying to find good ways to improve the lives of the prisoners. A newspaper would have been great. I hope that prisoners in WA can access the newspaper...I'm not sure they can.
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.
Thank you for everything you do. An amazing and important initiative that has to keep existing.
Our hope and our voice lies at the hand of those who can make a difference and this is why I'm writing and trying to make a difference/change.
About time has given me hope: there are people on the outside who are trying to make some positive changes for us inmates. It's good to know there are people on the outside advocating for us inmates. Reading About Time, there are many inmates having to deal with issues similar to mine.
About Time Newspaper,
Thank you for making a paper for us prisoners. Its one of the only things we get in here that gives us some hope.
Its full of inspirational stories and good information and gives us space to have our say.
So everyone who is involved, thank you so much.
I, and my mates, enjoy your paper and I've enclosed a copy of the last page of an actual letter I wrote my wife last week.
So glad you provide this for inmates and for those that lost loved ones inside.
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.
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.
Thank you for taking the time reading my letter. Can you please print my article. I hope that you enjoy reading my article. I can’t wait to read the next month’s paper on my tablet
Keep up the wonderful work you all do.
As someone who has been in custody multiple times over the past 3 decades, its been so exciting and heartening to see a newspaper for us and about our experiences.
I'm always reading your paper.
Give it up for this fine newspaper!!
Greetings to you all! My name is Johnny and I am currently locked up in NSW. Reading all the letters sent by everyone over the past four issues of 'About Time' has been such an eye-opener for me. I've found myself looking forward to the next issue to see and learn from other peoples' experiences that they so bravely share with us! Reading everyone's personal experiences and advice has affected me in such a positive way that I finally decided to put pen to paper and share some of my own experiences over the past three years and the changes I have made that may change your life, as they did mine.
To the wonderful people who volunteer their time and effort to make About Time possible… Thank you About Time for giving inmates a platform to express their concerns.
Thank you for taking the time to read my poetry submission.
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.
I would love to hear back from you guys. Please let me know what you think. I have much more writing I can send in, and if you have any advice on how I can build and develop a career as a writer and also how I can improve my writing, it would be greatly appreciated.
This is so awesome. Such important work. I must look into how you got approval for this as the state is so punitive and resistant to prisoners needs. Anyway, awesome work!
To Denham Sadler,
I liked what you wrote in the December edition.
Thank you for your newspapers, you do a fantastic job of being entertaining as well as resourceful.
Once again I offer congratulations for your January edition.
Thanks for reading.
I was very excited to see the writing competition article in the latest edition. Included is my submission. This story is a reflection of where I feel many people are in prison as well as a life constantly full of gambling where to be truly happy we just need to stop, breathe, be silent (sometimes). I took back on my own happy place (nature), even if its nowhere near good enough to be included in the newspaper, just having the chance to be creative is fantastic! So thank you.
"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!"
Person cut out published letter and put it above bed.
Amazing, thankyou for all your/the team hard work with the magazine.
We heard about you on ABC and were struck but what a great project this is. A very deserving population for this work to impact.
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.
Principally I write to extend feedback - re: your monthly paper. I must say that it was with more than the usual measuring spoon of interest that most here welcomed its arrival. Upon finding it in our respective mailboxes, it caused a stir. A tad like the discovery of gold in Ballarat: a freakin buzz!
Some leafed the pages; quietly absorbed by its content. Whilst some flocked together like a monochrome-green flamboyance of flamingos chortling approbation for the contents therein. A small, tidy group o Indigenous fellas loudly (and proudly!) celebrated the inclusion of the artwork of a dear friend of mine Chris at the top right corner of page 11. In short, conversation thrived! The overall reaction across the board: favourable!
Could it be I'm 'reading' too much into it, if you'll pardon the intended pun? Nay, say I. For the reason is simple. For most of us, About-Time rekindles the hearth flames of hope…. And solidarity.
Concurrently - albeit more tactfully - it served as a semi-tabloid sized platform some many choose to use as a way of expressing the beauty they've shielded within since time immemorial. This beauty, be it an artistic or linguistics, or even just humanistic, will finally sprout from the nutrient-poor soil of imprisonment like a tentative sapling (craving the warmth of yellow sunshine on its budding, little leaves).
A 'green' clothed sapling that can now reach toward the azure skies of better expression; ethical tolerance; and more meaningful connection with life and love.
As one of the two peer educators, I interact with dozens of inmates daily. Without reservations, I can say your paper has had a positive influence on all and sundry. And that's tickety-boo!! Quite soon, I imagine you'll be navigating a metaphorical diluvial flood of correspondence into all areas of expression you graciously invite feedback and/or input.
If you would be so kind as to grant me a little leeway in sending you an occasional short story, or a poem, or even an observational anecdote: then I'd be totes chuffed!
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.
Best wishes for this humane project.
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.
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.
I have attached a submission for the “Writing Challenge”. This has inspired me to write a full story so my submission is the first chapter of my book.
I thank you for the opportunity you guys offer prisoners to express there creativity!
I thank you for your time & consideration regarding these matters & I greatly look forward to hearing from you.
I want to let ya know how stoked I was to see me as a runner up in last month's "Caption This" comp. So I thought I'd give it another crack.
With the hard copies, the English class use some as resources.
Have been loving getting About Time in the mail each month, thanks for the fantastic work you do for our incarcerated community!
About Time reflects our feelings by publishing them. There’s a positive impact in knowing others are going through same stuff and hearing how they cope helps me find ways to cope. It makes us realise there are others going through the same, to share my story with a demographic that is walking in my shoes.
Great job, thank you for giving us a voice.
About Time volunteers, give yourself a pat on the back for this paper, well done! You have no idea the effect it has on the readers. Such a positive initiative towards all people incarcerated.
Thank you.
Keep up the great work Jo and Rosie!
Writing and creating artwork has really helped me express my emotion and document my experiences in here over the time I have served. "About Time" is my favourite piece and it was created after reading your first issue some months back. I hope you enjoy reading them, as I enjoy writing them. Feel free to use any of them you'd like to, to publish in your newspaper with my name and location if/when you have the space to do so. Regardless, thank you kindly for your time and for making 'Australia's National Prison Newspaper'. I look forward to every issue.
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.
Thank you for what you do for Australian prisoners and their families.
Your newspaper is fantastic and is extremely valuable, sharing experiences and knowledge between prisons in all states of Australia as well as the world - Helping all gain insight into practices and procedures as well as outlining certain indiscrepencies. It is wonderful to see such a vast array of people writing in to share their views, feelings and sharing their lived experiences within the system. Thank you to all those involved and keep up the great work!
THANK YOU for About Time. Keep up the good work :)
Dear 'Bout Time Crews!!! 'Nuff Respect, Kudos, and Vast Appreciation on your Magnificent, Pertinent and Poignant Periodical that just keeps getting better. WORD UP!!!
Thank you for provide this platform for incarcerated people able to share their experience and stories. Actually I don’t really believe a lot people in community really care about what happen inside walls nor do they care about incarcerated people at all. So the rarity of this platform is invaluable.
By reading About Time makes me more aware that what I'm experiencing is actually a shared common experience. There is a large group people across Australia in same shoes, makes me feel that I'm not alone. To understand that my experience is actually a shared experience with thousands people across country make me feel a connection.
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.
I wrote to you a couple of months ago and you published my article in your newspaper. Thank you, as some other inmates here were touched by it because I got the officers to photocopy it on four papers and I stuck one on each noticeboard in the units and one on each window and everybody read it. Some prisoners praised me and said “good on ya”. I’d like you to consider publishing a new thing I wrote about recidivism.
Good morning, I just heard the interview on ABC radio national. Congratulations in what you are doing.
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.
It is comforting and nice that About Time so clearly shows people care enough to bother printing. :-)
I was lucky enough to stumble across your writing submission page. I have enclosed a "lived experience" poem for pure humour purpose and hope you enjoy and share it with the prison population :)
As a former social worker, I’m 74, by the way, I did my early years in adult probation and parole. Many visits to Pentridge. Worked at Turana youth justice centre before doing social work. I think this idea is beyond brilliant. It ticks so many boxes.
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