Two weeks to change your life

Sadly, that’s a reality for hundreds of inmates across the State. Severed from the world on the other side of the walls, they’ve had no help in adjusting to their new life when they get out of gaol.

After spending the majority of his life behind bars, Max (not his real name), an Indigenous Australian and now 31, says he’s served his last sentence. It’s been eight months since he was released and the longest time he has spent in the real world since turning eighteen.

For the first time, Max is now enjoying the comforts of life that most people take for granted – a TV, a PlayStation, the internet and even a rented residence.

It may seem like a humble existence to most, but for Max, it’s been unattainable for too long.

When Max left prison in the past, he never received any assistance from prison officers. Any request for information on reforming and changing his life led to finger pointing between different sections, sending him back and forth within the prison.

“They just give you your cheque and boot you off,” says Max. Things are made worse when prison guards give people on release a less than encouraging send off, saying things like, “I’ll keep your bed warm for you!”

According to Max there is a two-week window, once you’re on the outside, to change your life around or fall into old habits. What makes things different for Max is that this time he’s been made to feel part of the community, but he took the first step.

After asking the Parole Board for regular drug testing, Max has been receiving support from Probation and Parole in Newtown and Ken Zulumovski, a volunteer who holds regular meetings at the Aboriginal Medical Centre in Redfern. Ken gives overwhelming assistance to local Aboriginals with the hope of reforming through the Aboriginal Men’s Support Program and Walking Together, the two community reform networks that now thrive, thanks to Ken.

These groups are helping Max, and people like him, to reform and connect to life on the outside. The support network has been especially uplifting for Max because, not only is he connecting with the Elders in his community, he’s helping to alleviate the troubles of younger men, which is contributing to his personal healing.

Now, with the continued assistance of Probation and Reform and Ken Zulumovski, Max is looking for work, aspiring to start a job in tourism. He’s also awaiting a reunion with his family, including a 12-year¬old son whom Max hasn’t seen in nearly 12 years.

“I’m out for good now,” says Max confidently.

Photo: Connecting to life on the outside Photo: Andrew Collis

Source: South Sydney Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/