Letters

It’s time to work smarter and not harder.

I had lived in Sydney all my life, but, due to some regrettable circumstances, a few years ago I was required to attend a Brisbane court for a 3-week-long trial, and since that time I have been residing in a Queensland gaol.

It was another day in the yard. Same boys, same noise. I was comfortable, as much as I could be considering the circumstances.

Yes, dangerous criminals should be punished for breaking the law – but should it be so hard to get on with their lives after prison?

I feel empty without them and I can’t imagine how my dad feels about me being here again.

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 for me to be able to look myself in the mirror and recognise myself again.

It spun me out my first time in jail. You get paid to be in jail. And we get lollies, chocolate, coffee etc. I’m homeless on the outside. To me, now, it’s home.

I have been in the system a long time. I believe that we as prisoners should be heard a lot more.

Here at MCC we are limited to weight bags and medicine balls. We cannot purchase creatine or protein powders, training gloves or any other essential items that other prisoners at other centres can purchase.

I just want to get back to my home state WA so I can do my time with my family support where I’m happy and have all my supports.