ISSUE NO. 15
October 2025
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Letters

Breaking Down the Stigma Surrounding Work Experience Inside

By
Jamie

Jamie writes from a prison in QLD.

Willy Pleasance

Dear About Time,

After reading Issue #13, I am looking forward to reading the highlights from the Reintegration Puzzle Conference in upcoming issues. In particular, I would appreciate “extended highlights” from the Queensland Injectors (QuIVAA) presentations. Being in Queensland and reading your newspaper, as well as queer newsletter Inside Out, our “Sunshine State” seems to be lacking the number of post-release support services that are offered and available in other states. It would be great to find out some more information about QuIVAA as well as other Queensland-based support services.

I think lived experience support services are an important reintegration tool, as well as an important support for those who are still inside, knowing that there are positive experiences and paths for us post release.

Another stigma that I think needs to be broken down is the working experience that most prisoners receive while they are serving their time. Some prisoners spend years in the same job while in prison, continually building on their skills and also training other prisoners. All this experience is then essentially washed down the drain when we walk through the gate. How can we break down this stigma to enable these skills to be used and appreciated post release?

Thanks for providing us with a great monthly source of information and entertainment.

Dear About Time,

After reading Issue #13, I am looking forward to reading the highlights from the Reintegration Puzzle Conference in upcoming issues. In particular, I would appreciate “extended highlights” from the Queensland Injectors (QuIVAA) presentations. Being in Queensland and reading your newspaper, as well as queer newsletter Inside Out, our “Sunshine State” seems to be lacking the number of post-release support services that are offered and available in other states. It would be great to find out some more information about QuIVAA as well as other Queensland-based support services.

I think lived experience support services are an important reintegration tool, as well as an important support for those who are still inside, knowing that there are positive experiences and paths for us post release.

Another stigma that I think needs to be broken down is the working experience that most prisoners receive while they are serving their time. Some prisoners spend years in the same job while in prison, continually building on their skills and also training other prisoners. All this experience is then essentially washed down the drain when we walk through the gate. How can we break down this stigma to enable these skills to be used and appreciated post release?

Thanks for providing us with a great monthly source of information and entertainment.

An Idea to Reduce Drugs and Violence in Prison

By Melissa

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

Letters

ISSUE NO. 20

1 MIN READ

We Want to Get Healthy in Prison – So Why Can’t We Buy Protein Powder?

By Joeby

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.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 20

1 MIN READ

First Time In Prison, 3000km From Family

By Deanno

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.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 20

1 MIN READ

Discovering Buddhism in Prison

By Chris

Buddhism teaches that pain is a part of being human, not a failure. Thoughts are not who you are, change is always possible because nothing is permanent. There is beauty in the idea that peace isn’t something you chase, it’s something you uncover when you stop clinging.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 20

2 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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