Storm, from a prison in VIC
I have been in prison for over 13 years and I want to say that your newspaper is an amazing opportunity for all who have put the time in and it has been very well received throughout the Victorian Prison System.
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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.
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.
Lanie, from a prison in VIC
I love this newspaper and enjoy reading it from front to back and back to front. I really enjoy looking at the artworks. You published one of my artworks, DEEP OCEAN, so thank you. I am very proud of that artwork. I taught myself to do art as I was severely bullied and abused, mentally, and physically, growing up and until this very day and I find it is good escape for my mental health. It helps me copy with all the bullshit and bullying that goes on in this place, that I've called home for the past 9 years. I have a minimum of 6 years left to go and then hopefully I can leave this place behind me. I'm not sure where I will restart my life once I'm out, but I guess I still have time to sort that out lol. Well that's all I wanted to say so thank you and keep up the wonderful work.
Bryn, from a prison in QLD
To About Time,
Thank you for your newspaper. I look forward to reading it each month. Its great! I enjoyed it from the first time I read it last year. Its made me feel connected, seen & heard. When I first went to jail I felt really alone and your newspaper helped me so much. Someone – well lots of someones – got how I felt. They understood. Thank you for that. I've written this poem while incarcerated. I really hope you will publish it for me.
Keep up the hard work – we need you guys.
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 2024 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.
Mark, from a prison in VIC
Congratulations on the launch of About Time. I can only imagine how many obstacles you have navigated to successfully sail the product into Australia's prisons, and from where I sit it was very warmly received by the inmates, security and medical staff that I share time with. Well done, and thank you for delivering us something we didn't know we needed until we received it.
David, from a prison in NSW
This paper deserves all the support it can get. A way for prisoners to express their honest stories and gifts. A real way to heal and rehabilitate encouraging others to do the same.
Jesse, from a prison in NSW
I've been following your paper and I love it. I find it very cool and entertaining.
Asad, from a prison in QLD
I can't tell you how glad I was to see this paper come into my unit, a sign that times can and always will change the way we live, especially in prison.
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.
Jason, from a prison in the NT
It was great to see prisoners being spoken of in a constructive and positive way, as I'm sure you're aware that isn't the norm in Australia. I look forward to hearing back from you and hopefully reading your newspaper.
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.
The Black Wraith, from a prison in VIC
Hello, firstly I must congratulate you for your latest publication and I must tell you that many people including officers read and enjoy, so keep it up.
Jon, from a prison in VIC
Thanks for your excellent newspaper. It always contains useful information and heartfelt stories. Keep up the good work.
Aidan, from a prison in VIC
Thank you About Time.
David, from a prison in NSW
The men in these four pods enjoy the material. I continue to encourage them to read and write!!
Look forward to July issue.
Staff member, from a prison in WA
[The papers] appear to be very popular.
Muhamed, from a prison in VIC
Thank you once again for your amazing publication. I know I speak for myself and many of the other men here at Middleton Correction Centre when I say that your publication is valued and appreciated and we look forward to its arrival each month. It certainly becomes a central discussion point in the yard in the days following its distribution here. Both myself and the other men within my accommodation lodge read over every addition repeated. Thank you for your incredible work in continuing to support, connect, and inform incarcerated men and women across the country.
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.
David, from a prison in NSW
Again, congratulations to you and your staff for "About Time". I am so impressed.
Dane, from a prison in QLD
G'day, My name is Dane. Firstly, great job on the paper. I look forward to it every month and expect I'm not the only Aussie inmate who is appreciative of the effort that goes into producing such a thing and at no cost to the incarcerated. Keep up the good work.
Subscriber
Thank you for what you do for Australian prisoners and their families.
Cindy, donor
Keep up the great work.
Simon, from a prison in NSW
The articles and stories you read in 'About Time' and other outlets change lives. They have the power to help people to make informed choices. And they can also inspire readers to think in different ways and try different things. Being a writer is exciting and rewarding. So, this article is for all those people who have tinkered with the idea of penning a story. This publication, like all publications, is always on the lookout for fresh talent.
Subscriber
Keep up the wonderful work you all do.
Staff Member, from a prison in NSW
I gave paper copies of AT out to inmates with tablets today, and got a round of applause for it. One guy said it’s the best thing anyone has done for them, so yes please, keep them coming. I will promote it internally. Inmates said it was like being reconnected with the world again.
Ashleigh, from a prison in VIC
This newspaper is a fantastic idea and I am glad it comes here.
Jackson, from a prison in QLD
About Time can help others relate to stories or cope and could possibly help others think more positive.
Karen, donor
Love your work!!
Ella, donor
Love your work!
Aaron, from a prison in NSW
I'm writing to you guys, because I'm a big fan of the work you do and what the newspaper represents, and because I'd like to share some advice and tips on how to make the most of your time inside.
Jane, donor
Best wishes for this humane project.
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.
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 wanted to mention that I work with guys transitioning back into the community after being in prison and the everyone absolutely loves the paper – so thanks for all the great work.
Jeff, from a prison in QLD
I will continue to send in creative writing pieces. Thanks again for all your encouragement. It means a great deal to me.
Kirk, donor
As a former social worker, I’m 74, by the way, I did my early years in adult probation and parole. Many visits to Pentridge. Worked at Turana youth justice centre before doing social work. I think this idea is beyond brilliant. It ticks so many boxes.
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.
Subscriber
Amazing, thankyou for all your/the team hard work with the magazine.
Alex, from a prison in VIC
Keep up the awesome prints! We all love and appreciate them down here.
Debra, donor
You DO make a difference!
Jarod, from a prison in TAS
I’m a long-term reader, I enjoy reading your paper it makes me feel as if I’m home, my Pop always buys the local paper and I enjoy kicking back and having a read.
So thank you for providing us with this.
Brody, from a prison in QLD
Dear About Time thanks for your tireless efforts in making a little brightness in an otherwise dull place. I especially would like to thank you for your reply paid letters between calls and munchies.
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.
Linden, donor
I heard about you on Radio National this morning. What a brilliant idea.
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.
Belly, from a prison in QLD
Thanks again for another great issue (no. 11). "Lizard Brain" by Annalise De Groot (page 10) was fantastic.
Mark, from a prison in VIC
Thanks for reading, I hope it made some sense, I love the About Time paper and what it does for the world.
Paul, from a prison in QLD
Since reading the December issue of About Time, I have started to read the Bible. I want to say I am not a religious person, but there are so many things I can relate to and I think I am getting to know myself better through reading it. I don't think I would have picked it up if not for Denis's letter published in the December 2024 issue; a very big thank you to you my friend you have been a big influence on many people over the years. I look forward to more poetry. Keep up the good work mate.
Mark, donor
Keep up the great work Jo and Rosie!
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.
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.
Luke, from a prison in QLD
A quick thank you to About Time for the national paper. I really enjoy reading about the ins and outs of Australian jail life.
Jessica, from a prison in NSW
I have been reading About Time since issue one and I'm loving it so far.
Karie, from a prison in QLD
Dear About Time, I love reading your paper. Keep up the good work.
Jack, from a prison in QLD
Thank you so much for the paper. It has been quite the eye opener for me, eight months into a two year sentence. Among the views expressed, many about their time, reflecting on boredom, lack of resources and so on, and I thought to add my older prisoner view simply because so many of your readers here at Wolston are older men, though I assume many of the same or similar issues happen to women as well.
Bray, from a prison in NSW
I appreciate your time and I love your paper and its content.
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.
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.
Byron, from a prison in QLD
I have attached a submission for the “Writing Challenge”. This has inspired me to write a full story so my submission is the first chapter of my book.
I thank you for the opportunity you guys offer prisoners to express there creativity!
Luke, from a prison in VIC
Thank you so much for taking the effort to bringing us this publication and I hope to see many great issues to come.
Daz, donor
Keep up the great work guys
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.
Trieste, from a prison in QLD
I am writing in regards to the writing competition. I would like to acknowledge and give thanks to country, elders past, present and future. I am very grateful for this opportunity and am excited to add this experience to my resume.
Chris, from a prison in NSW
I saw your paper for the first time about six months ago and I read it every month – I'm hooked! I get a lot of information and ideas out of them. I love your paper and can't wait for the next issue. Thanks heaps for taking the time to read my letter.
Staff member, from a prison in WA
I can tell you that the papers are very popular and are often requested from prisoners, and I have received positive feedback.
Micky, from a prison in NSW
In all this time, we have so badly needed exactly what 'About Time' newsletters provide. So many of us incarcerated greatly appreciate the space you guys provide for us all to stay connected, for the sense of community it creates and the information you provide that we otherwise would never have. So thank you About Time! Thanks for taking the time to read my letter. Thanks again, you guys are great!
Bradley, from a prison in TAS
PS. and a big thank you to Australia's National Prison Newspaper and everyone that has published something – onya!
Ollie, from a prison in QLD
This is the first time we have seen your newspaper, I found it informative and entertaining.
LM, donor
Thank you! I spread the word About Time when I can.
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.
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.
Teacher
Some of my students enjoy writing, and I’d like to try and get them to write for About Time. Seeing other people in custodial settings writing articles might inspire them.
Luxe, from a prison in QLD
I'm living the stories your paper is printing, I strongly believe this paper will change lives. Our voices go unheard in here (prison). So thank u. For the 1st time in prison I feel we can make a change, It's given me PURPOSE N HOPE :) Your paper has already changed my life. I'm so grateful to u, there's not enough paper in here to put it all down on.
Wolverine, from a prison in QLD
I would like to let you all know I really love your paper, and the intentions behind it. Keep up the great work.
I have only ever written one poem, but it came out pretty well so I’d like to share with y’all.
David Peake, MP
We’ll continue to read About Time with interest – Denham Sadler’s recent article was excellent, so congratulations to you and the team on the work you’re doing.
Erma Gerd
Great to see how the publication is putting forward items of interest to inmates, such as the expansion of education in venues.
Kerrin, from a prison in QLD
This paper is getting better with every edition. On behalf of prisoners everywhere, thank you.
Bryn, from a prison in QLD
Thank you for your newspaper. I look forward to reading it each month. It’s great! I enjoyed it from the first time I read it last year. It’s made me feel connected, seen and heard. When I first went to jail I felt really alone and your newspaper helped me so much. Someone – well lots of someones – got how I felt. They understood. Thank you for that. I’ve written this poem while incarcerated. I really hope you will publish it for me. Keep up the hard work – we need you guys.
Krista, donor
We heard about you on ABC and were struck but what a great project this is. A very deserving population for this work to impact.
Mark, from a prison in VIC
About Time reminds me that I'm not alone in the prison. I'm human just like you. It allows community to exist outside of individual prisons. It gives varied opinions, even people who disagree with each other. It's refreshing. It gave me something to do that feels important. I have a voice.
Maggie, donor
Most important newspaper/media going – thank you for all that you do.
Subscriber
My husband got his copy of the August edition today and was very delighted. Thank you for the work you and Rosie do. We need more people like you.
Grant, from a prison in NSW
I'll finish by saying I absolutely love the paper. Thanks to everyone involved.
Luke, from a prison in QLD
Thank you to all those that support this paper and care about us inside. For the first time feel like it could cause a connection or respect, gratitude that our system is finally coming to light/improvement.
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.
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!).
Kane, from a prison in TAS
We may be seen as criminals but we are also human beings who have rights, rights that are being stripped from us. Thank you to all the About Time team, you have given us all a voice, lets hope it can be heard.
Jonathan, from a prison in VIC
Hello Denham,
I offer congratulations for your June edition and your article about prison Dentists was very familiar. So much so that I thought I might compose a little history of my own dental nightmares.
Thanks again for your continued publication. Keep up the good work.
Erin, from a prison in WA
About Time Newspaper,
Thank you for making a paper for us prisoners. Its one of the only things we get in here that gives us some hope.
Its full of inspirational stories and good information and gives us space to have our say.
So everyone who is involved, thank you so much.
Nitasha, donor
What a beautiful space you've created!
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.
John, from a prison in TAS
First I would to thank anyone who has been and is involved with About Time. As a "first timer" this paper is a vital vehicle for information of prison life from across the nation, I look forward to every issue and it reminds me there is life waiting outside.
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.
M, from a prison in WA
Submitting writing to About Time made me feel valued, I can read about what other people go through. The response I got was validating and my poem got posted, it was really nice to feel appreciated and recognised. I love reading About Time, it makes me feel not so alone in prison and more informed too. Thank you for doing About Time.
Russell, from a prison in WA
Hi, I just want to send congratulations on your first issue reaching my prison. I may be a rare beast, a prisoner who is enjoying his time in prison. This is due to my work as editor of our prison quarterly newsletter and running computer-aided design (CAD) workshops for prisoners.
Weena, from a prison in NSW
It's great to read other people's stories and articles. Also, I find excellent advice and experiences are much the same as my journey throughout prison, in and out.
Steve, a formerly incarcerated contributor
Thank you most kindly for your words about my latest article, 'When Your Mind Turns Against You: Understanding Depression in Prison.' It came straight from the heart.
Together we can effect positive change, and About Time is a blessed resource for doing just that. Your work is immensely meaningful.
Andrew, from a prison in NSW
I would love to hear back from you guys. Please let me know what you think. I have much more writing I can send in, and if you have any advice on how I can build and develop a career as a writer and also how I can improve my writing, it would be greatly appreciated.
Clay, from a prison in VIC
ABOUT TIME PUBLISHERS:
Thank you for your work, About Time newspaper helps so much for myself and so much more people around Aus doing time, it's almost like The Incarceration Bible it spreads good words, stories and peoples’ journeys.
Liz, donor
Heard of your work on radio national well done.
Joe, from a prison in VIC
Principally I write to extend feedback - re: your monthly paper. I must say that it was with more than the usual measuring spoon of interest that most here welcomed its arrival. Upon finding it in our respective mailboxes, it caused a stir. A tad like the discovery of gold in Ballarat: a freakin buzz!
Some leafed the pages; quietly absorbed by its content. Whilst some flocked together like a monochrome-green flamboyance of flamingos chortling approbation for the contents therein. A small, tidy group o Indigenous fellas loudly (and proudly!) celebrated the inclusion of the artwork of a dear friend of mine Chris at the top right corner of page 11. In short, conversation thrived! The overall reaction across the board: favourable!
Could it be I'm 'reading' too much into it, if you'll pardon the intended pun? Nay, say I. For the reason is simple. For most of us, About-Time rekindles the hearth flames of hope…. And solidarity.
Concurrently - albeit more tactfully - it served as a semi-tabloid sized platform some many choose to use as a way of expressing the beauty they've shielded within since time immemorial. This beauty, be it an artistic or linguistics, or even just humanistic, will finally sprout from the nutrient-poor soil of imprisonment like a tentative sapling (craving the warmth of yellow sunshine on its budding, little leaves).
A 'green' clothed sapling that can now reach toward the azure skies of better expression; ethical tolerance; and more meaningful connection with life and love.
As one of the two peer educators, I interact with dozens of inmates daily. Without reservations, I can say your paper has had a positive influence on all and sundry. And that's tickety-boo!! Quite soon, I imagine you'll be navigating a metaphorical diluvial flood of correspondence into all areas of expression you graciously invite feedback and/or input.
If you would be so kind as to grant me a little leeway in sending you an occasional short story, or a poem, or even an observational anecdote: then I'd be totes chuffed!
