I’m an inmate who spent the last 20 months in MRRC. I was 24 when I was under arrest. During this time, I lost everything I valued before. I lost my reputation by news, which made lots of friends leave this ‘horrible’ me.

I only have a short stint of a few months, but like most find myself forced to become distant from my family, mainly due to unaffordable call rates.

Ever since I made the change, I really started to see others and how their lack of control led themselves to their own demise, without even the slightest bit of realisation.

12 months into being remanded in custody. I’m still yet to be sentenced – hence I can’t see the end at all.

I stumbled across Buddhist meditation in 2017 where I met Hojun, the Buddhist chaplain/monk who led the meditation and spiritual discussion. Since then, thanks to Hojun, I feel I have changed mentally and spiritually in nearly every way.

I spent nine months at Dillwynia CC in NSW; the first few weeks in Area 1 max and then in medium, but I quite quickly progressed to Area 2 minimum.

During a long stay of about 6 months in prison, I came across a few fellow inmates who needed help with sorting their pile(s) of mixed documents which were kept in one or two used envelopes.

Hi my name is James. I had a traumatic childhood and from the age of six I had issues with anxiety. At 15 years old I started drinking alcohol and immediately I felt relief from my anxiety when I had alcohol in my system. 

As a mother all I want to do is bring him (my son) home and tell him everything will be ok. I miss him every minute of every day.

I thought I could enlighten you on how this prison's day to day works.