ISSUE NO. 18
January 2026
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Letters

I Should've Gone To Specsavers

By
Alexandra

Alexandra writes from a prison in VIC.

David Travis via Unsplash

I moved units about a month ago and we feed some stray cats here. One even let me pat her last night! It's been over a year since I've patted an animal, so you can imagine how excited I was!

I see a black and white tomcat outside my cell window in the evenings sometimes. I tap on the window and say hello but he usually looks at me, horrified, and runs away. A few days ago, however, he didn't move, so I chatted to him for ages, telling him how handsome and brave he was. Then I put my glasses on and realised I had been baby-talking to a serviette that was stuck in a bush!

I moved units about a month ago and we feed some stray cats here. One even let me pat her last night! It's been over a year since I've patted an animal, so you can imagine how excited I was!

I see a black and white tomcat outside my cell window in the evenings sometimes. I tap on the window and say hello but he usually looks at me, horrified, and runs away. A few days ago, however, he didn't move, so I chatted to him for ages, telling him how handsome and brave he was. Then I put my glasses on and realised I had been baby-talking to a serviette that was stuck in a bush!

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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