Magazine, May 2025
Think Tank newsletters have a long and important history in Australia.
Magazine, May 2025 Read More »
Law Week 2025
Law Week 2025: BSWAC’s Human Library Event – “Uncovering the Human Behind the Story”
This year, during Law Week 2025, we did something a little different.
We hosted a Human Library—a powerful, person-to-person experience where lived experience took center stage. Instead of borrowing books, guests “borrowed” people, engaging in 20-minute group conversations that challenged stereotypes, broke down stigma, and opened up space for connection and empathy.
Our “books” were made up of people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and professionals working in the sector each offering a unique perspective and personal story.
These were not scripted talks, but real, honest passionate conversations shaped by curiosity and respect.
Held at RMIT University, the event was open to the public and brought together students, professionals, and community members in a shared commitment to deepen understanding and promote compassion.
It was a reminder that behind every label is a story—and behind every story, a human being.
Magazine, April 2025, Special Edition
10th Anniversary
Special Edition Magazine
To mark 10 years of the Inside Out Prison Exchange Program, our prison-based Think Tanks, and the Beyond the Stone Walls Advisory Collective (BSWAC) in Victoria, we’ve created a Special Edition Magazine.
This collection features ten standout pieces from over the years, reflections from our members, and key updates on our work across prisons and the community.
We invite you to revisit these powerful moments, voices, and ideas that have shaped our journey so far.
Magazine, April 2025, Special Edition Read More »
10th Anniversary Celebration
Inside-Out 10-Year
Anniversary Celebration
On March 20th, we had the privilege of celebrating a significant milestone: the 10-year anniversary of the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, Prison-based Think Tanks, and BSWAC (Beyond the Stone Walls Advisory Collective) in Australia.
This special event brought together students, academics and justice professionals to reflect on the program’s impact and the strong partnerships that have made it possible over the past decade.
A highlight of the evening was a powerful panel discussion featuring our Director, members who are graduates of the Inside-Out Program, the Think Tank, and BSWAC, alongside staff representatives from Corrections Victoria and Community Correctional Services within the Department of Justice and Community Safety. The panel explored how our Director’s vision has come to life—demonstrating the transformative power of education and lived experience in shaping meaningful, systemic change.
The celebration also featured an inspiring art exhibition showcasing creative works by individuals connected to the program. These pieces were a testament to the depth of reflection and personal expression fostered through our prison-based and community-based initiatives.
Guests were treated to a selection of delicious food and mocktails, with plenty of space for reconnection, storytelling and meaningful conversation throughout the evening.
We look forward to the next decade of learning, growth and change.
10th Anniversary
Special Edition Magazine
To mark 10 years of the Inside Out Prison Exchange Program, our prison-based Think Tanks, and the Beyond the Stone Walls Advisory Collective (BSWAC) in Victoria, we’ve created a Special Edition Magazine.
This collection features ten standout pieces from over the years, reflections from our members, and key updates on our work across prisons and the community.
We invite you to revisit these powerful moments, voices, and ideas that have shaped our journey so far.
10th Anniversary Celebration Read More »
Newsletter May, 2024
Think Tank newsletters have a long and important history in Australia.
Newsletter May, 2024 Read More »
Law Week 2024
BSWAC hosted three events at RMIT University as part of Law Week: two panel discussions, and an art workshop and exhibition. The aims of these events were to connect with the public, increase awareness about the ways people with lived experience of the justice system are contributing to policies and practices, and to illustrate these by sharing some personal stories about incarceration and reintegration.
BSWAC hosted three events at RMIT University as part of Law Week: two panel discussions, and an art workshop and exhibition. The aims of these events were to connect with the public, increase awareness about the ways people with lived experience of the justice system are contributing to policies and practices, and to illustrate these by sharing some personal stories about incarceration and reintegration.
The first panel discussion focused on providing a snapshot for the audience about people’s journeys fromentering to exiting custody, including their personal challenges and opportunities. These were then contextualised with an overview of the IBAC investigation and subsequent Cultural Review that found certain issues to be widespread, and recommended working with staff, Indigenous communities, and people with Lived Experience to inform best practice. The discussion closed with an overview of how this goal is being achieved, the challenges to implementing change in a bureaucracy, and beneficial outcomes recorded internationally from hiring people with Lived Experience to work in the justice sector.
The second panel discussion focused on reintegration, and included people with lived experience, a researcher, and a practitioner. The emotive conversation began by explaining the entire process of parole from the parolee’s perspective: procedural unawareness, simultaneous fear and excitement upon release, reactions from loved ones, and challenges associated with fulfilling parole requirements. The panel then discussed the reasons behind parole violations and recidivism, as well as the difficulty in accessing all-important reintegration support. The conversation closed with panel members’ hopes for the future and the ways to achieve them.
The final Law Week event was artwork on display in combination with an art workshop which gave participants a hands-on experience. The space was adorned with awe-inspiring pieces from justice-impacted individuals. The evening was a huge success, with many interesting and engaging discussions inspired by the moving works, stories, and lives on display.
Thank you to the community from all of us at BSWAC for being open and curious to learn about the experiences of people impacted by the justice system. We believe that through these brave and vulnerable conversation we will reach a better place, together.
Change through collaboration.