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.
Here, identity is often reduced to our MIN number, our sense of personhood is eroded day by day. Yet when an inmate's words or artwork appear in About Time, that person is recognised again as fully human, capable of thought, creativity, and contribution. There is no other service in Australia that reaches us in this way.
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.
About Time gives prisoners a voice and a platform. Contributing made me feel valued. The relatable content really makes you feel that you are not alone. In my 4th week of prison it is already making a hard situation somewhat better and has given me a more positive feeling. Keep up the great work, you are making a difference and helping countless people get through this experience!
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. We eagerly await it every month here.
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.
Thank you to all who created 'About Time' and for making it work. I am a deaf prisoner who is quite isolated within isolation. The newspaper is like a light at the end of a tunnel. Thank you.
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.
Just because we're in prison doesn't mean everyone should forget about us.
With About Time - we are not forgotten.
Thank you.
Keep this paper going, has heaps of info for people like me, who know nothing about the system.
Thank you About Time - the printed voice of the prisons.
Thank you for what you do.
I have no contact with my brother who is in prison and the newspaper gives me great comfort knowing I have some small insight into his life, a way I can connect with his world.
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. Having someone stop you in the yard to tell you that they were impressed with your writing is valuable and reinvigorating.
I'd like to give a shout-out to Vanessa from prison in WA and welcome to About Time. I discovered About Time early last year 2025 and always look forward each month for the read. Last year in two seperate issues I had stories published and seeing them in the national prison newspaper was the best feeling.
I've always had a love for writing but never had the time, now incarcerated I have nothing but time so I decided to put pen to paper and with two stories published I am now working on writing a book.
Sometimes when we write something worth publishing it is when we least expect it. For me writing is a powerful tool that helps with my mental health.
Keep up the good work and never give up writing, I look forward to future stories.
This paper is dedicated to prisoners which helps our mind health in so many ways.
The stories are from prisoners who want to share their views with others and that helps us do our time. It meant I could share my story with others who are feeling the same way. I feel this paper allows us to connect with each other.
About Time is a great way to learn what is happening in other jails. It was a chance to use my writing skills and use the tools to tell a story. Love this paper.
Please keep up the great work and thanks for giving us a voice.
Thank you for providing such a great source of information for people who have found themselves inside. I have been reading your papers now for a few months. I have really appreciated reading stories etc from fellow inmates. I have been struggling with the disconnection I feel from my loved ones, especially my beautiful partner Melanie. I thought I'd send in a poem I wrote expressing my feelings about the sadness but also the hope that I feel about seeing my girl. She is my everything and I miss her terribly. I hope that anyone who reads it finds comfort and hope in it. I pray to be back with her soon.
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 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.
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.
Dear About Time,
Thank you once again for your amazing publication. I know I speak for myself and many of the other men here when I say that you publication is valued and appreciatedand we look forward to its arrival each month. It certainly becomes a central discussion point in the yard in the days following its distribution here. Both myself and the other men within my accommodation lodge read over every edition repeatedly.
I've written to you once previously with a poem that didn't make the cut. I hope my submission this time around is more in line with the material you're looking to publish. Once again, thank you for your incredible work in continuing to support, connect, and inform incarcerated men and women across the country.
Your work is so necessary for the nourishment of the incarcerated.
I have encouraged men like Tony, Adrian and others to contribute. Tony was so excited his two letters were published and receiving a personal letter from Denham Sadler. It increased his self confidence.
Thank you for your work providing the About Time platform which allows creativity and expression a space to flourish.
Last night I woke up with something I had to write down which is just how it happens, and I wrote this poem that I would like to share with everybody. I hope you like it too.
It would be nice if you could publish it as it is my hope that it will help people form more positive relationships in their lives and help contribute to a more pro-social society.
Thank you, I enjoy reading your newspaper.
Dear Rosie,
I just want to say how happy I am to receive a reply from you. I never expected an acknowledgement of receipt, let along a letter. This means a world to me. It shows that someone was kind enough to take their time to read through and understand what it meant and appreciate the event and the effects it bears upon the writer. I can not thank you enough for that.
Finally a voice for the unseen and unheard. First huge step in connecting prisoners.
There are way too many problems in jail, so to hope for better solutions is always an interesting find. Also staying connected to other's thoughts and feelings – it sort of feels like a union paper.
I certainly agree it helps give a more earnest effort of confidence in writing, but I do believe it is more to do with the burning feelings in one's heart that makes them feel compelled to write. Improved writing skills is just a bonus.
I personally look forward to the paper, as do so many others in prison. The impact was very moving – to hear other stories, to see legal opportunities available as well as fun stuff to do to keep us occupied (especially with so many lockdowns). It is in the word 'Impact' – To Act!
I relate to a lot of people in this paper. I feel comfort in knowing I'm not alone in custody. I feel more connected, and well heard.
I feel submitting/participating in surveys makes me feel as my input is valued towards making a better paper! It's helped boredom and helped me better understand jail, as it's my first time (been here 4 months).
Keep producing a great paper! Thousands of us appreciate it! Love from Charlotte.
About Time helped both me and my partner on the outside share some situationaI awareness. Cannot wait for the paper each month. The articles by other prisoners resonate with my own inner voice, they give my own feelings more universality. Submitting my writing feels as if I can make a difference.
Thank you About Time! Amazing work.
To read about people experiencing almost the same things that bother me makes me feel less isolated and that I am not crazy, some peace of mind and relativity, empathy and understanding.
To read about others going through the same experience is reassuring and comforting, it helps kill time, learn, laugh and relate.
Keep up the good work. We need you :)
Dear About Time,
I was very excited to see the writing competition article in the latest edition. Included is my submission. It's based on my own happy place (nature) and even if it's nowhere near good enough to be included in the newspaper, just having the chance to write creatively is fantastic. So thank you.
About Time helps me relate to my problems knowing others are also dealing with similar problems I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel that I have a connection to others with similar struggles and that I am not alone. I don’t feel as isolated over the past six years doing hard time.
It has given me the confidence in trying to write better and for help in bettering myself pre-release.
Due to reading this I know there is help and that there’s always some one worse off needing help.
I did get a copy of the paper with my article in it and I was pleased that some of my villain mates approved and wanted me to sign their copy. As a published author I charged them one Tim Tam per signature.
I've been following your paper and I love it. I find it very cool and entertaining.
Hello About Time and Readers,
I love getting the opportunity to learn about other prisoners and their stories from all over the country. We all have something to share and I encourage everyone to give it a go. Finding purpose is how we thrive beyond survival against all odds, especially in these circumstances that I'm sure we can all relate to.
Shout out to my girls at DPFC and anyone else incarcerated, struggling with their own consciousness.
A gracious thank you to About Time for giving us a necessary platform to express ourselves.
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.
About Time gives a sense of community and belonging. It’s valuable to have my opinion heard and respected, to stay feeling valued and worthy.
To have a voice, to be heard with no fear of judgment. It gives a clearer perspective and to know that others experience the same things as we do in these places. Hear and see other peoples stories and know there is no judgement.
Because the truths are being printed rather than hidden.
About Time is an avenue that we can express our frustrations, our gratitude and facts. It is a honest and reliable source that we can depend on, it is stories and facts from prisoners that hasn’t been distorted. None of the stories have been doctored. I really enjoy reading this honest media outlet. Thank you!
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.
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.
I’ve read every edition, and love what you do this paper brings hope and reminds us we are human.
From my poems I hope to bring hope! I want to reach people and if my poem somewhere helps someone then I have succeeded in my mission.
I write to About Time so others can see their stories matter and others will maybe write in too or tell there families to. Cause it helps to deal with being stuck and also lets me get it out.
It makes me feel pain is only a thought not a feeling and everyone goes through it some don’t show it. Cause I see others feel it or live it too, I feel their pain as I too have lived it or gone through it.
It is a space of free speech and also gives good advice and also hope and strength.
To About Time,
I only just discovered the prison newspaper last month in April 2026.
I spent all day reading and sharing the newspaper here at Melaleuca Women’s Prison.
I had only just begun writing again since getting incarcerated this year in January.
When I found out about About Time I was excited to be able to write in to the national prison newspaper.
I do look forward to reading some of the submitted written work of others and possibly hope to enter into the next writing competition!
From Vanessa.
About Time has positively impacted my belief in myself. It has real life stories from real life prisoners.
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.
Its my first time reading this paper and I love every thing that it offers, thank you for sharing information that all prisoners need to know.
It makes you feel like your feelings and thoughts are valid and others can relate to how you feel and together we can over come this negative time in our lives and turn this experience into a positive and heal and live your best life.
Because it comes from us that live it, us the real people that experience jail life every day every minute, people on the outside should really learn what actually goes on and the mistreatment we as prisoners go through we are all not bad people.
This is just the first of many times I will submit my words, my feelings and my thoughts I will continue to offer my help and guidance even when I am released.
Its good to share and connect without judgement give you self confidence.
I first and foremost would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work that goes into producing and providing myself and the other prisoners in Australia with your truly captivating content.
Your work and effort does not go unnoticed.
Thank you to the team at About Time for your efforts and hard work making the newspaper what it is.
He was pretty happy when he called, and had already cut the exercises out to stick on the wall in his cell!
Thanks again Edith. I hope all in the AT team really understand how much difference the paper makes.
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 is filled with good and thoughtful people issues, because we all have contributed to it. Misery loves company, so to speak. I’m now 9 jail sentences in so am very much used to this but this is for us crims and has made us feel connected and that someone gives a f**k. By making us write letters, it helped stimulate the brain.
The paper gives me a positive attitude is because I felt good when I read this. Thank you and I love your work.
Thanks again for all of you working so professionally and with passion. The paper is a great success among the men I speak with. I encourage them to write. There is so much talent among the men to be shared.
I think you do a great job, that's appreciated by prisoners and outsiders/staff alike. Keep up the fabulous work!
First I would like to thank you and those involved in creating and publishing the National Prison Newspaper and all its content, it really resonated with me.
Yes they arrived and have been distributed 😊
Thank you again, the residents really seem to enjoy it.
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.
I write to you, as a Victorian prison officer who reads every issue of About Time. It really helps me to see things through the prisoner's eyes. Although I am empathic, reading this publication enlightens me and increases my understanding of the issues prisoners face. Taking the time to read each issue and consider the content (with an open mind) makes me a better officer; and I sincerely hope that the perspective I gain comes across to all the guys in our care. Keep up the great work!
This newspaper is a fantastic idea and I am glad it comes here.
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
To About Time,
I only just discovered the prison newspaper last month in April 2026. I spent all day reading and sharing the newspaper here at Melaleuca Women’s Prison. I had only just begun writing again since getting incarcerated this year in January.
When I found out about About Time I was excited to be able to write in to the national prison newspaper. At the time I had no idea what to write. I wanted to enter the writing competition but the subject “Food For Thought”, is one of my least favourite food sayings!
So I was a little put off and tried a couple attempts to write something about it, not succeeding in my attempts. I do look forward to reading some of the submitted written work of others and possibly hope to enter into the next writing competition!
Just because we're in prison doesn't mean everyone should forget about us.
With About Time - we are not forgotten.
Thank you.
I enjoy the paper, it’s empowering. Nice to see how others are feeling and us inmates are in the same boat. It's just a great read. We need it.
Thanks again so much for the hard copies of About Time you sent us – they have been very popular. I am also setting some AT articles for readings in my courses. I was really interested in the recent piece about the High Court challenge on egg freezing - so many layers of discrimination here.
About Time gives me a positive outlook and makes me feel I can be a better version of me. I read it for emotional reasons because others feel the same as me. Because I can relate to them.
Dear 'Bout Time Crews!!! 'Nuff Respect, Kudos, and Vast Appreciation on your Magnificent, Pertinent and Poignant Periodical that just keeps getting better. WORD UP!!!
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.
Kind regards, and many thanks for your continuous work every month to deliver yet another great monthly edition of "About Time".
Continue the great work – you make a real difference.
I love your work!
Thank you About Time - the printed voice of the prisons.
We may be seen as criminals but we are also human beings who have rights, rights that are being stripped from us. Thank you to all the About Time team, you have given us all a voice, lets hope it can be heard.
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 for your time and effort it’s appreciated.
Take care!
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 taking the time to read my letter.
Kind regards, and thanks for your work.
To About Time,
I am writing as I seen my partners article and it inspired me. This is probably my millionth time in prison, and time stands still.
I just received a copy of issue 15 and once again I have a near overwhelming feeling of enthusiasm. Thank you.
Firstly I wish to thank all of you that make it possible for your newspaper to to be circulated on a monthly basis, and allow inmates that are currently in custody to address issues that our judicial system chooses to ignore. So in a way your paper lets us have a voice in which I would like to say thank you.
First of all I would like to say what an awesome magazine – keep up the good work.
The paper enables folks to survive on the inside and then reimagine life beyond it.
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.
Keep this paper going, has heaps of info for people like me, who know nothing about the system.
Thank you for your continued hard work to put together such an amazing magazine for all inmates, and may Peace, love and happiness touch everyone.
I recently discovered your publication while flicking through the resources on my tablet but have now gone through and read all the back issues available… it's fantastic and look forward to its release each month.
Thank you for a great magazine.
A big shout to all prisoners and the team of "Australia's National Prison Newspaper. Thank you for all the support.
I'd like to thank you's so much for all your time and effort – you's all do a great job with preparing the About Time articles.
Thank you for creating a safe non-judgmental space, a way of communicating for our loved ones who are often forgotten by society and giving us on the outside a chance to hear from and read about what life is like inside.
Firstly, thank you for all you do in preparing and producing About Time.
I am a prison chaplain and I see how your paper is so important to the women I have the privilege to walk alongside. Thank you!
To the publishers of About Time newspaper,
Thanks to all the opportunities the paper brings to prisoners.
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 find it so fun and enjoyable to read, I love the poems and drawings people write and draw I find great enjoyment in all the other stuff too!!
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.
About Time gives prisoners a voice and a platform. Contributing made me feel valued. The relatable content really makes you feel that you are not alone. In my 4th week of prison it is already making a hard situation somewhat better and has given me a more positive feeling. Keep up the great work, you are making a difference and helping countless people get through this experience!
Big congratulations on the newspaper, you have no idea how many of us read your paper and how much it helps us boys to know and hear so many of us are going through the same stuff.
Good morning, I just heard the interview on ABC radio national. Congratulations in what you are doing.
Thank you so much for the paper. It has been quite the eye opener for me, eight months into a two year sentence. Among the views expressed, many about their time, reflecting on boredom, lack of resources and so on, and I thought to add my older prisoner view simply because so many of your readers here at Wolston are older men, though I assume many of the same or similar issues happen to women as well.
Keep up the great work.
Dear 'About Time' editors,
The poetry by Leslie at Ravenhall and Robert here at Wolston really stood out for me.
THANK YOU for About Time. Keep up the good work :)
Hello Denham,
I offer congratulations for your June edition and your article about prison Dentists was very familiar. So much so that I thought I might compose a little history of my own dental nightmares.
Thanks again for your continued publication. Keep up the good work.
Already, by my enthusiasm, and seeing my article painted, interest in the paper is taking off. More believe they are able to be heard [read]. Slowly this will encourage others. To have their opinions in print is a boost to their value of self-respect.
Joseph and his team are beginning a remarkable journey towards quality communication assisting men to find their self-respect and worth as human beings!
This adds another step in the "ladder" to restorative justice in reality. A healing power. Wow!
Amazing, thankyou for all your/the team hard work with the magazine.
Firstly, thank you for the newspaper, I look forward to every new issue! It's an amazing opportunity to read everyones thoughts, feelings and experiences, as well as educate ourselves around the system and available resources and it provides me with a strong sense of connection.
First I’d like to express my appreciation and I just wish to say thanks with all my heart, being, soul, spirit and being.
Just good to see us Blackfellas get something as we don’t get much down here and we are locked down well over 50% of the time.
Thank you for providing a platform for connection and creative expression for the most marginalised cohorts in our communities. People who write in prison authentically honestly and vulnerably in the stories and experiences they share. Articles and contributions read as authentic, honest and raw.
I was so excited that we got them. Just so you know, we also have a prisoner sending them out to a family member once they have been read.
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.
First of all I would like to say what an awesome magazine – keep up the good work.
I gave paper copies of AT out to inmates with tablets today, and got a round of applause for it. One guy said it’s the best thing anyone has done for them, so yes please, keep them coming. I will promote it internally. Inmates said it was like being reconnected with the world again.
Love your work!
It arrived yesterday thank you so much! The residents really enjoy reading them.
Dear About Time readers,
First up, I really enjoy reading all your letters, so keep sending them in. I've been thinking about writing a letter myself about a wide variety of topics, but I'd like to ask in this letter, how do you deal with lockdowns?
Once again, I offer congratulations for your May edition. Many of the artists here look forward to inspiration from the well presented artworks. Thanks again for your continued valuable publishing prints. Keep up the good work.
Reading about other experiences gives consistency to my own experiences, literally felt like they described my very own time/experiences.
First of all I would like to say I look forward to and appreciate your monthly newspaper very much, as do many other prisoners nationwide. A big massive congratulations on your 2 year birthday and going national, everyone involved deserves a standing ovation (all involved and prisoners nationwide as everyone is a contributor and as they say, (EVERY ONES A WINNER). I hope I can contribute one day in some way and once again thank you for your newspaper.
I love the About Time paper and what it does for the world.
Thank you for sending this newspaper to the residents here, they have arrived and as always there has been a positive response.
[The papers] appear to be very popular.
Hello, firstly I must congratulate you for your latest publication and I must tell you that many people including officers read and enjoy it, so keep it up.
I get great enjoyment out of each issue. It helps pass the time.
P.S. I love the poems and the pictures people draw. There are so many talented people out there.
I'm so grateful to receive positive feedback, I even almost wrote a third short story. Other than my overwhelming gratitude to everyone at About Time (also please thank Peter Rose on my behalf), I am happy to report that my younger brother might be sending me a script for a comic we've been planning (though it'll take some time).
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.
Great work with the paper keep it up… Since reading your paper I realise other prisons go through the same issue. It's not fair or humane.
I appreciate your time and I love your paper and its content.
Person cut out published letter and put it above bed.
Most important newspaper/media going – thank you for all that you do.
Thanks again for the great content in the March 2025 issue.
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.
Thanks for publishing my piece on the young men's dialect in August - although I thought your normally excellent illustrator went overboard in depicting me with a walking stick.
Thanks again for printing my stuff - it gives me great satisfaction.
Thank you! I spread the word About Time when I can.
Thank you for all you do in putting together About Time and sending it into prisons. I certainly found it helpful and informative while I was inside. I look forward to reading the next edition of About Time when it comes out. I really like the way you have formatted your website. A bit easier to follow and read compared to what was on the NSW tablet version. Keep up the good work.
So glad you provide this for inmates and for those that lost loved ones inside.
And just want to say a big thank you to About Time newspaper and other inmates in custody/jail remember to smile every day :)
Thank you for everything you do. An amazing and important initiative that has to keep existing.
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.
Dear About Time,
My name is Matty & I am currently in a QLD jail, hoping you could put my poem in your paper. I know alot of inmates will like it.
Thank you.
Thanks for this really important work.
It's great to read other people's stories and articles. Also, I find excellent advice and experiences are much the same as my journey throughout prison, in and out.
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