ISSUE NO. 19
February 2026
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Letters

Very Few People Know How to Use Sign Language

By
Seleena

Seleena writes from a prison in WA.

Samantha Gades via Unsplash

To whom it may concern,

My name is Seleena and I am a prisoner in WA. While being incarcerated, I have learnt how many members of the community are Deaf and have a lot of trouble communicating as very few people know how to use sign language.

I am aware of how many Indigenous families have Deaf family members and the embarrassment that comes along with it when people can’t communicate with their family.

I would love to be part of spreading awareness and learning Auslan myself, as I only know the bare essentials. I have at least 10 more years in prison and would like to run some programs with girls willing to learn.

If there is any information or starter packs you could provide I would be very grateful.

Thank you for your time,

Seleena

To whom it may concern,

My name is Seleena and I am a prisoner in WA. While being incarcerated, I have learnt how many members of the community are Deaf and have a lot of trouble communicating as very few people know how to use sign language.

I am aware of how many Indigenous families have Deaf family members and the embarrassment that comes along with it when people can’t communicate with their family.

I would love to be part of spreading awareness and learning Auslan myself, as I only know the bare essentials. I have at least 10 more years in prison and would like to run some programs with girls willing to learn.

If there is any information or starter packs you could provide I would be very grateful.

Thank you for your time,

Seleena

Sistas, Support Each Other!

By Anonymous

This letter is to remind you all that, as Sistas, we need to be there for one another to raise women up.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

2 MIN READ

Strip Searches

By Nikita

It’s daunting enough when you get arrested by police, then placed into custody and thrown into a cell. Then you have to go through a degrading strip search.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

1 MIN READ

If It’s Broken, Then Fix It

By Andrew

I’ve spent most of my adult life behind bars, and I’m not proud to say it. It’s been such a bloody waste.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

3 MIN READ

Routine is Good, Not Bad

By Dane

Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time in prison can relate to the concept of prison rituals and routines.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 23

3 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

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

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Without About Time, I don’t know where I would be – Mark, from a prison in Victoria

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