It’s gutting that you died spending your last eight years inside, especially when you were so close to the end of your sentence. And it’s gutless that I squandered the chance to see you off, when so many others would have leapt at it.

Prisoners doing long stretches often face deep psychological and social isolation. Years away from family can mean missing key milestones, children growing up, parents aging, relationships ending. The world outside doesn’t wait.

I acquired a brain injury from a motorcycle accident I had when I was 20. I hit a tree pretty hard, and I split the motorbike helmet into two pieces and knocked myself out. I ended up in Brisbane hospital, and they said I had a shade over one side of my brain and that I had a minor brain injury.

Despite all their challenges, they walk into the classroom, shake my hand, and tell me riddles or stories about their mum or their little brother.

My brain seems to simply have wiped out part of my memory. I think it’s for the best.

ABIs can be caused by many different things. It can be a car accident, a fall, can be from violence – the list goes on and on.

I support a number of clients – individuals, couples and families – who are experiencing homelessness. Like so many others in this field, I entered this work because I care deeply about people and community.

I still remember the haunting words of the old next-door neighbour when he saw it: ‘Young men die in green cars.’ Stupid old bugger, what would he know?

In this interview, Fritzi speaks to me about her purpose, the impact of childhood trauma, and how healing is possible, even from the inside.

There are little reminders all around me of the time I lost from my children’s lives when I went to prison.