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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.

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.
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.
I do look forward to reading some of the submitted written work of others and possibly hope to enter into the next writing competition!
From Vanessa.
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.
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.
I relate to a lot of people in this paper. I feel comfort in knowing I'm not alone in custody. I feel more connected, and well heard.
I feel submitting/participating in surveys makes me feel as my input is valued towards making a better paper! It's helped boredom and helped me better understand jail, as it's my first time (been here 4 months).
Keep producing a great paper! Thousands of us appreciate it! Love from Charlotte.
About Time gives prisoners a voice and a platform. In life being heard is so important, and makes you feel you have something to offer. Contributing made me feel valued.
So many relatable stories, letters etc, when you thought you were alone in your experience or thoughts. The relatable content really makes you feel that you are not alone. Everyone's experience is unique but there is plenty of articles/letters that reflect my own experience.
In my 4th week of prison (1st time) it has given me more insight and validated so much of my feeling/experience. It is already making a hard situation somewhat better and has given me a more positive feeling (even though some articles expose so much of what is wrong with the system!).
I just want to thank you and the team, and the contributors, for providing a publication that is so raw, honest and relatable.
Keep up the great work, you are making a difference and helping countless people get through this experience!
Hello About Time and Readers,
I love getting the opportunity to learn about other prisoners and their stories from all over the country. We all have something to share and I encourage everyone to give it a go. Finding purpose is how we thrive beyond survival against all odds, especially in these circumstances that I'm sure we can all relate to.
Shout out to my girls at DPFC and anyone else incarcerated, struggling with their own consciousness.
A gracious thank you to About Time for giving us a necessary platform to express ourselves.
I write to About Time so others can see their stories matter and others will maybe write in too or tell there families to. Cause it helps to deal with being stuck and also lets me get it out.
It makes me feel pain is only a thought not a feeling and everyone goes through it some don’t show it. Cause I see others feel it or live it too, I feel their pain as I too have lived it or gone through it.
It is a space of free speech and also gives good advice and also hope and strength.
Thank you for what you do.
I have no contact with my brother who is in prison and the newspaper gives me great comfort knowing I have some small insight into his life, a way I can connect with his world.
I'd like to give a shout-out to Vanessa from prison in WA and welcome to About Time. I discovered About Time early last year 2025 and always look forward each month for the read. Last year in two seperate issues I had stories published and seeing them in the national prison newspaper was the best feeling.
I've always had a love for writing but never had the time, now incarcerated I have nothing but time so I decided to put pen to paper and with two stories published I am now working on writing a book.
Sometimes when we write something worth publishing it is when we least expect it. For me writing is a powerful tool that helps with my mental health.
Keep up the good work and never give up writing, I look forward to future stories.
Thank you for your work providing the About Time platform which allows creativity and expression a space to flourish.
Last night I woke up with something I had to write down which is just how it happens, and I wrote this poem that I would like to share with everybody. I hope you like it too.
It would be nice if you could publish it as it is my hope that it will help people form more positive relationships in their lives and help contribute to a more pro-social society.
Thank you, I enjoy reading your newspaper.
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.
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.
Dear About Time,
Thank you once again for your amazing publication. I know I speak for myself and many of the other men here when I say that you publication is valued and appreciatedand 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 edition repeatedly.
I've written to you once previously with a poem that didn't make the cut. I hope my submission this time around is more in line with the material you're looking to publish. Once again, thank you for your incredible work in continuing to support, connect, and inform incarcerated men and women across the country.
About Time helps me relate to my problems knowing others are also dealing with similar problems I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel that I have a connection to others with similar struggles and that I am not alone. I don’t feel as isolated over the past six years doing hard time.
It has given me the confidence in trying to write better and for help in bettering myself pre-release.
Due to reading this I know there is help and that there’s always some one worse off needing help.
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.
About Time has positively impacted my belief in myself. It has real life stories from real life prisoners.
About Time is filled with good and thoughtful people issues, because we all have contributed to it. Misery loves company, so to speak. I’m now 9 jail sentences in so am very much used to this but this is for us crims and has made us feel connected and that someone gives a f**k. By making us write letters, it helped stimulate the brain.
The paper gives me a positive attitude is because I felt good when I read this. Thank you and I love your work.
Dear Rosie,
I just want to say how happy I am to receive a reply from you. I never expected an acknowledgement of receipt, let along a letter. This means a world to me. It shows that someone was kind enough to take their time to read through and understand what it meant and appreciate the event and the effects it bears upon the writer. I can not thank you enough for that.
About Time helped both me and my partner on the outside share some situationaI awareness. Cannot wait for the paper each month. The articles by other prisoners resonate with my own inner voice, they give my own feelings more universality. Submitting my writing feels as if I can make a difference.
Thank you About Time! Amazing work.
About Time gives a sense of community and belonging. It’s valuable to have my opinion heard and respected, to stay feeling valued and worthy.
To have a voice, to be heard with no fear of judgment. It gives a clearer perspective and to know that others experience the same things as we do in these places. Hear and see other peoples stories and know there is no judgement.
Because the truths are being printed rather than hidden.
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.
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.
Its my first time reading this paper and I love every thing that it offers, thank you for sharing information that all prisoners need to know.
It makes you feel like your feelings and thoughts are valid and others can relate to how you feel and together we can over come this negative time in our lives and turn this experience into a positive and heal and live your best life.
Because it comes from us that live it, us the real people that experience jail life every day every minute, people on the outside should really learn what actually goes on and the mistreatment we as prisoners go through we are all not bad people.
This is just the first of many times I will submit my words, my feelings and my thoughts I will continue to offer my help and guidance even when I am released.
Its good to share and connect without judgement give you self confidence.
About Time is an avenue that we can express our frustrations, our gratitude and facts. It is a honest and reliable source that we can depend on, it is stories and facts from prisoners that hasn’t been distorted. None of the stories have been doctored. I really enjoy reading this honest media outlet. Thank you!
To read about people experiencing almost the same things that bother me makes me feel less isolated and that I am not crazy, some peace of mind and relativity, empathy and understanding.
To read about others going through the same experience is reassuring and comforting, it helps kill time, learn, laugh and relate.
Keep up the good work. We need you :)
This is my first time and I must say, stumbling across About Time has made things so much better. The open, honest, raw and relatable articles are real gems and resonate hugely.
Anyway, I felt compelled to contribute so here follows a few submissions for your consideration.
About Time
There is a great paper 'About Time',
Which is free and won't cost you a dime,
With articles galore,
It is never a bore,
And provides a refreshing angle on crime!
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.
He was pretty happy when he called, and had already cut the exercises out to stick on the wall in his cell!
Thanks again Edith. I hope all in the AT team really understand how much difference the paper makes.
This this paper is dedicated to prisoners which helps our mind health in so many ways.
The stories are from prisoners who want to share their views with others and that helps us do our time. It meant I could share my story with others who are feeling the same way. I feel this paper allows us to connect with each other.
About Time is a great way to learn what is happening in other jails. It was a chance to use my writing skills and use the tools to tell a story. Love this paper.
Please keep up the great work and thanks for giving us a voice.
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.
I first and foremost would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work that goes into producing and providing myself and the other prisoners in Australia with your truly captivating content.
Your work and effort does not go unnoticed.
Thank you to the team at About Time for your efforts and hard work making the newspaper what it is.
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.
Finally a voice for the unseen and unheard. First huge step in connecting prisoners.
There are way too many problems in jail, so to hope for better solutions is always an interesting find. Also staying connected to other's thoughts and feelings – it sort of feels like a union paper.
I certainly agree it helps give a more earnest effort of confidence in writing, but I do believe it is more to do with the burning feelings in one's heart that makes them feel compelled to write. Improved writing skills is just a bonus.
I personally look forward to the paper, as do so many others in prison. The impact was very moving – to hear other stories, to see legal opportunities available as well as fun stuff to do to keep us occupied (especially with so many lockdowns). It is in the word 'Impact' – To Act!
Dear About Time,
I was very excited to see the writing competition article in the latest edition. Included is my submission. It's based on my own happy place (nature) and even if it's nowhere near good enough to be included in the newspaper, just having the chance to write creatively is fantastic. So thank you.
I contribute to About Time so that others can relate to my experience in some way or there’s been something I’ve related to.
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.
Thank you for the newspapers and taking the time to read my letter.
Thanks again for the opportunity to hone our skills.
[The papers] appear to be very popular.
You DO make a difference!
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.

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.
About Time has taught me that I'm not alone and that there are people just like me. Because they are just the same as me, in and out of the system, and it’s great to be able to read about the prison system all over Australia. It's just I can really connect and understand what each inmate writes, cause I have been there, done that.
I read the paper front to back and everyone’s stories and enjoy them.
The paper is very informative of what’s happening within the system and around the country and also gives great advice. It really helps to clear my head, I enjoy the paper. Knowing you’re not alone in how we all feel in here. I really do feel this way. To me I feel positive to hear how others feel about programs and how I can relate the same feelings, life etcetera.
Thank you all at the paper for taking the time to publish and help us all by your generosity.
Our hope and our voice lies at the hand of those who can make a difference and this is why I'm writing and trying to make a difference/change.
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.
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.
P.S. Love your work.

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.
PS. and a big thank you to Australia's National Prison Newspaper and everyone that has published something – onya!
About Time has relatable info that may help me.
You are all doing a terrific job and it's such important work that you are doing.
Thank you About Time, you are all doing a good job.
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.
Dear 'Bout Time Crews!!! 'Nuff Respect, Kudos, and Vast Appreciation on your Magnificent, Pertinent and Poignant Periodical that just keeps getting better. WORD UP!!!
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.
Congratulations - I just heard about the newspaper via the 7am podcast. Fantastic. I used to work at Fremantle Prison a long time ago and we were always trying to find good ways to improve the lives of the prisoners. A newspaper would have been great. I hope that prisoners in WA can access the newspaper...I'm not sure they can.
About Time has given me the opportunity to express myself in writing. This helps with my rehabilitation. Thank you for this opportunity.
Thanks Edith. I like to receive the paper – it's good to hear from people with lived experience for my role.

Already, by my enthusiasm, and seeing my article painted, interest in the paper is taking off. More believe they are able to be heard [read]. Slowly this will encourage others. To have their opinions in print is a boost to their value of self-respect.
Joseph and his team are beginning a remarkable journey towards quality communication assisting men to find their self-respect and worth as human beings!
This adds another step in the "ladder" to restorative justice in reality. A healing power. Wow!
THANK YOU for About Time. Keep up the good work :)
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.
Thanks for your time, much appreciated.
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.
This paper is getting better with every edition. On behalf of prisoners everywhere, thank you.
Person cut out published letter and put it above bed.
Dear About Time readers,
First up, I really enjoy reading all your letters, so keep sending them in. I've been thinking about writing a letter myself about a wide variety of topics, but I'd like to ask in this letter, how do you deal with lockdowns?
I think About Time is incredible and a very important organisation! People need stimulation, connection and their voices.
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.
I, and my mates, enjoy your paper and I've enclosed a copy of the last page of an actual letter I wrote my wife last week.
Thank you for everything you do. An amazing and important initiative that has to keep existing.

It is valuable reading the impact of incarceration has on many.
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.
Firstly, thank you for the newspaper, I look forward to every new issue! It's an amazing opportunity to read everyones thoughts, feelings and experiences, as well as educate ourselves around the system and available resources and it provides me with a strong sense of connection.

Again thanks for the great mag.
What a beautiful space you've created!
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!

Kind regards, and thanks for your work.
I have to say I am really digging the paper, it's a great read.
Included is a poem written by Michael and my honest response of encouragement. May it offer hope to anyone who challenges themselves to choose to heal toward being a quality human. There are so many men wanting to transform. There are many who hear their pain. There are too few who truly listen. About Time gives all a voice to proclaim their sorrow and continue their amends. This challenges all to honestly listen with compassion and care. Thanks to you and your professionalism for making transformation possible.
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...
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.
Dear About Time, I love reading your paper. Keep up the good work.
I have been reading About Time since issue one and I'm loving it so far.
Thanks for your work folks!
Congrats once again for your August edition and of course your pick of my poem for publishing! Thanks again always for your continued publication. Keep up the good work.
The men in these four pods enjoy the material. I continue to encourage them to read and write!!
Look forward to July issue.
Have been loving getting About Time in the mail each month, thanks for the fantastic work you do for our incarcerated community!
I am a prison chaplain and I see how your paper is so important to the women I have the privilege to walk alongside. Thank you!
To About Time,
I am writing as I seen my partners article and it inspired me. This is probably my millionth time in prison, and time stands still.
First of all I would like to say what an awesome magazine – keep up the good work.
Thank you for what you do for Australian prisoners and their families.
With the hard copies, the English class use some as resources.

I will continue to send in creative writing pieces. Thanks again for all your encouragement. It means a great deal to me.
Thanks for reading, I hope it made some sense, I love the About Time paper and what it does for the world.
Hey guys, I love getting the chance to read about other prisoners all around the country each month and thought I would share my story.
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.
Thanks again for your publication.

So glad you provide this for inmates and for those that lost loved ones inside.
Thank you for taking the time reading my letter. Can you please print my article. I hope that you enjoy reading my article. I can’t wait to read the next month’s paper on my tablet
G'day guys! Love the paper!
Firstly thank you for such a composition of art, education, therapy, information, communication... FREEDOM!
About Time made me look at things different. I wrote because I just wanted to share my experience.
About Time is now my favourite paper in prison. Just because we're in prison doesn't mean everyone would forget about us. With About Time – we are not forgotten. Thank you.
Thanks for your excellent newspaper. It always contains useful information and heartfelt stories. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for taking the effort to bringing us this publication and I hope to see many great issues to come.

With care and solidarity.
This newspaper has really opened my eyes that there is more to life than just prison, reading other peoples stories. I like to read the stories from other inmates around Australia as I can relate to them, made me feel valued.
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.
Thanks for all your great work with this publication and with your excellent follow-up.

I enjoy the paper, it’s empowering. Nice to see how others are feeling and us inmates are in the same boat. It's just a great read. We need it.
Thank you all very much for the outstanding work and effort. The paper is a much needed blessing for all of us.
Love your work!
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.
Thank you for a great magazine.
Firstly, I thank you and your personnel for the production of About Time. I find it most informative and enlightening.
As someone who has been in custody multiple times over the past 3 decades, its been so exciting and heartening to see a newspaper for us and about our experiences.
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.
I subscribed last week and have just finished reading the paper edition of About Time. I wanted to write to say 'congratulations'. The paper is a remarkable achievement, a rare and valuable 'good thing' in a difficult and draining system. I am particularly impressed with the paper's focus on fostering community, as well as its national scope.
I showed a copy to my client today and he confirmed that copies have been freely available to him during his last stint on remand in Victoria. He says that it has helped him to start thinking about the Redress Scheme and whether he may be eligible for compensation.
I am impressed by the positive tone of the paper, and the contributions from persons in custody.
Reading the paper made me want to contribute somehow… well done, keep up the good work.
Thanks for this really important work.
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.
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.
They have been distributed and the residents were very appreciative.
This paper is one of the only positives in here. I sincerely thank you and your entire team for every story and every edition.
It really helped me through the hard times in custody last time and the stories gave me some self-belief. Also your paper inspired me to do journalism as my combined degree with law.