F.T.S., from a prison in NSW
P.S. Love your work.
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Feedback From Our Readers
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.
Subscriber
I have just recently subscribed to your paper. On receiving the digital version of “The Mother’s Day Special Edition,” I listened to the interview with Nightlife ABC – ‘Meet the Publisher of Australia’s Only Prison Paper.’
*Joseph Friedman came across as very passionate and knowledgeable. I was most interested to hear what he had to say in relation to “reversing the presumption of bail laws” and that almost half of people in Australia’s prisons are in remand not convicted of a sentence.
I started to do some further inquiry as to what this meant and it all started to make sense.
I, family, closest friends and most importantly my partner have all been at a loss as to why it was so difficult to get bail. Joseph with his interview, has just shed light on this tonight, with his comment on the reverse presumption of bail laws.
As this has had such a profound effect on me. It may give those in this situation and their families fighting for bail a greater understanding and better informed consent when considering application for bail.
P.S. Lastly I really value your paper, even as a supportive family member on the outside. Especially the above interview I have just talked about and the Kairos Outside for Women advertisement as I was able to reach out to the ministry and will attend a weekend later in the month.*
Belly, from a prison in QLD
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.
Kane, from a prison in QLD
I like your paper. I look forward to it when it comes. They deliver it under my door. It's interesting to read what others have to say, and their experiences. I like the paintings some of the other prisoners do. They have a gift. It's sad how some people waste a talent like that by doing silly shit and wasting their life behind bars.
Luke, from a prison in NSW
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.
Neale, from a prison in NSW
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.
Andy, from a prison in NSW
Thanks for providing About Time and explaining things – it's helpful for understanding life behind bars and other things.
Alex, from a prison in VIC
I thank you for your time & consideration regarding these matters & I greatly look forward to hearing from you.
Subscriber
I've just listened to Joseph's podcast on ABC RN. What a relatable, informative and honest conversation!
Those articles, by other prisoners he doesn't know, somehow lessen the physical and mental isolation often experienced.
Anonymous, from a prison in VIC
Dear About Time,
Thank you for your amazing publication. I know myself and some of the other men here really look forward to each issue. The content is excellent and it creates that much needed connection between prisoners across the country. I find myself reading over and over each issue and always finding some new detail to appreciate. I'm not sure exactly how but, I would love to support the About Time Publication in any way I can.
I'm currently engaged in distance education via Curtin University and I'm studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences. I'm employed as the G.E.O Peer Educator here. Where possible, I try to be an active and positive member of the community wherever I'm placed throughout the Victorian Corrections system. I believe it's absolutely critical to both create and support pro-social initiatives in this environment to keep prisoners engaged in meaningful, rewarding and positive ways.
My earliest release date is mid 2028 so I have plenty of time remaining to continue working on myself and supporting other prisoners where possible to change the direction of their lives for the better. Thank you for taking the time to read my note.
I have included a poem for submission.
Axel, from a prison in VIC
When I get out, I am going to use my skills as a songwriter/performer to start a business and entertain people. I will look forward to seeing future issues and reading about people's journeys through their hardship.
I will continue to read About Time and contribute, as I thoroughly enjoy reading people's stories and writing to others.
Thank you for reading and never stop smiling.
Subscriber
I have a son who's on remand and as your paper isn't issued in the NT a hard copy would be great, as I can quote items to him in letters.
Many thanks! Keep up the great work!
Vanessa, from a prison in WA
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!
Ashleigh, from a prison in VIC
This newspaper is a fantastic idea and I am glad it comes here.
Trent, from a prison in QLD
Thank you for the newspapers and taking the time to read my letter.
Rachel, from a prison in QLD
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 2023 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.
Daniel, from a prison in VIC
Give it up for this fine newspaper!!
Mel, from a prison in NSW
We may be criminals, but we also cry at night.
Dave, from a prison in VIC
I love seeing The Torch artwork in here - they do so much for the Mob in jail. Keep up the good work. Happy New Year to all the Black Mob behind bars.
Jon, from a prison in VIC
Thanks for your excellent newspaper. It always contains useful information and heartfelt stories. Keep up the good work.
Garth, from a prison in QLD
I really liked the Bits & Pieces section – more of that would be great.
Could you please include more two-person games or activities we can do in our cells when locked in?
Is there any possibility of starting a pen pal system, where people can write in and be connected with others?
I'd love to see articles on how to write better – anything to help us improve.
Thanks for the paper – it's something a lot of us look forward to.
Staff member, from a prison in VIC
With the hard copies, the English class use some as resources.
Sina, from a prison in QLD
Thank you for taking the time to read my poetry submission.
Ronin, from a prison in QLD
We finally got our newspaper in Queensland and I was blown away. Really good job. It's good to read how other prisoners think and feel and awesome that we now have some sort of platform to reach out to the community with.
Susbcriber
Dear About Time, Thank you for the service you do in providing a voice for those inside and outside.
Caitlin, from a prison in NSW
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.
Damien, from a prison in VIC
Thank you the guys in here all appreciate your news paper, it gives a great insight of us in here.
Karie, from a prison in QLD
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.
Thomas, Lived Experience Worker
Person cut out published letter and put it above bed.
Nathan, from a prison in VIC
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.
Sam, from a prison in NSW
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.
Brian, from a prison in QLD
Thank you all very much for the outstanding work and effort. The paper is a much needed blessing for all of us.
Simon, from a prison in NSW
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.
Jessica, from a prison in NSW
I have been reading About Time since issue one and I'm loving it so far.
David, from a prison in NSW
Thank you and congratulations on the publication of the national prisoner's newspaper, 'About Time'. Already, men in my pod are taking up the opportunity, with great enthusiasm, to write of their honest experiences and share their many talents grateful to be given a voice. To be respected. Your initiative is offering many the 'therapy' necessary to earn back self-respect and enabling them to choose to find a purpose for good, while they make their amends during their incarceration. They say: 'The pen is mightier than the sword'. To see their contributions in print will be the first time for some that they have been 'heard' and may enable them with respect to transform their lives - to honestly rehabilitate. The paper is well-read and discussed. The smiles on faces knowing some of the contributors is encouraging.
Anon, from a prison in VIC
Having been encouraged by your 11th edition prison newspaper, regarding a 'judicial review' process, I have learned and gained immeasurably, familiarising myself with processes otherwise unknown by the majority of inmates in the Victorian prison system.
Benjamin, formerly incarcerated contributor
I'm very grateful and proud to be a part of this great thing you and Rosie are doing, truly.
George, from a prison in VIC
Thanks for reading.
Mother of person incarcerated in the NT
I do love getting your publication. I cut it into A4 sections and send them to my son, who is in an NT prison. Only 5 cut-out pages at a time, of course!
Shea, from a prison in VIC
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.
David, from a prison in NSW
Again, congratulations to you and your staff for "About Time". I am so impressed.
Kelly, from a prison in NSW
I'm always reading your paper.
Anastasia, from SQCC
Hello to About Time, and all readers everywhere.
Sometimes when I'm alone I enjoy writing to try and take my mind from where I am. This is one of the poems. I hope you enjoy! Thanks a lot for providing me the opportunity to express myself and my thoughts to my fellow incarcerated people! Keep your head high guys and girls… Let them lock up our bodies but never our minds...
Jim, Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services
Thank you also for a very interesting and informative paper. Especially that it gives this office a prisoner perspective also. Keep up the good work.
Anthony, from a prison in NSW
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.
Staff Member, from a prison in VIC
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.
Elias, from a prison in TAS
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.
Subscriber
Love your work. I work in AOD and love bringing in your newspaper. The people who use the service look forward to its arrival and we always end up having great chats whilst reading through the paper together.
Storm, from a prison in TAS
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!
Elias, from a prison in TAS
Big shout out from the Tassie crew thank you for getting the paper going, can only imagine the brick walls and troubles you had to go through. Love the content you guys have, a variety and relevant information.
Kelly, from a prison in NSW
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.
Subscriber
Thanks Edith. I like to receive the paper – it's good to hear from people with lived experience for my role.
Michelle, from a prison in WA
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Belly, from a prison in QLD
Thanks again for the great content in the March 2025 issue.
Belly, from a prison in QLD
Thank you for another month of your National prison paper. When I see my name as a winner of the Caption Competition I was wrapped. Thank you…
Danielle, from a prison in QLD
Here is some feedback for About Time – it's absolutely positive! From my first introduction to issue 2 or 3 I looked forward to the next edition. Arriving here I followed up with an officer who ensured copies were available to us.
Zayne, from a prison in VIC
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.
Storm, from a prison in VIC
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.
Paul, from a prison in QLD
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.
Oliver, from a prison in VIC
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.
Daniel, from a prison in VIC
Firstly I love your paper & a big thank you for putting it out for the prison population!
Matty, from a prison in QLD
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.
Shaun, from a prison in NSW
Thank you for your work publishing this paper. I enjoy reading and it has been a source of positivity and help for me since entering custody.
Subscriber
I just wanted to let you know how much I admire your work. I think it is remarkable the way you give a voice to people who often do not have the opportunity to express themselves or share their stories.
Subscriber
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.
Luiing, from a prison in WA
I would like to say a big thanks to the publishers of About Time newspaper for creating such a good opportunity for inmates have a turn to talk and share. Thanks for shining a light on our darkness.
Mark, formerly incarcerated in VIC
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.
Ollie, from a prison in QLD
This is the first time we have seen your newspaper, I found it informative and entertaining.
Johnny, from a prison in VIC
Thank you for your newspapers, you do a fantastic job of being entertaining as well as resourceful.
Erin, from a prison in NSW
Keep up the good work, good vibes, and great paper. I'm sure everyone in jail really appreciates your efforts (including me!).
Anonymous, from a prison in the ACT
I enjoy reading the publications in your paper, it is a great idea and a lot of the stories are extremely relatable and remind me that I am not alone. It is helpful to hear a lot of people across the nation are facing similar battles, including the revolving door with incarceration.... Thank you for reading, looking forward to your next issue, hopefully some of my work makes the cut!
Sam, from a prison in VIC
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.
Johnathan, from a prison in VIC
Once again I offer congratulations for your January edition.
Anonymous, from a prison in QLD
Thanks for your time, much appreciated.
Alex, from a prison in VIC
Keep up the awesome prints! We all love and appreciate them down here.
Noah, from a prison in QLD
A big shout to all prisoners and the team of "Australia's National Prison Newspaper. Thank you for all the support.
Belly, from a prison in QLD
Dear 'About Time' editors,
The poetry by Leslie at Ravenhall and Robert here at Wolston really stood out for me.
Storm, from a prison in TAS
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.
Carolyn, from a prison in VIC
Thank you Denham for writing back to me about the lockdowns happening here at DPFC. And I especially say thanks for your guidance in writing the article. Thank you again for all your help with this.
David, from a prison in NSW
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.
Karie, from a prison in QLD
Dear About Time, I love reading your paper. Keep up the good work.
Hoani, from a prison in WA
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.
Subscriber
About Time arrived yesterday, and both my wife and I would like to thank you very much for sending it to us. It is a very interesting newspaper and it must be of benefit to a lot of inmates. Thank you again Edith.
Jon, from a prison in VIC
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.
Anonymous, from a prison in NSW
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.
Les, from a prison in VIC
Thank you for a great magazine.
