BSWAC Panel Members

"The information from the Think Tank members throughout the state has been invaluable to our work and we are extremely grateful for their openness and willingness to share their experiences with us."
Department of Justice and Community Safety

The Beyond the Stone Walls Advisory Collective hosts a unique collection of experience in and around the criminal justice system. Comprised of those with firsthand experiences of incarceration, justice practitioners, researchers, university students and alumni, BSWAC works collaboratively with a broad range of partners to generate transformative and creative solutions to complex problems. We bring diverse understandings and perspectives to our engagement, and have been key drivers across a range of influential changes to criminal justice policy and process.

To enquire about engaging with us email [email protected]

Paul

Since exiting prison, I have devoted much of my time to BSWAC, community engagement, and a substantial project assisting individuals potentially at risk of homelessness post-incarceration. I am passionate and proactive about enhancing an individual's prospects of a genuine fresh start, with a roof over their head to allow them personal security and peace of mind. My past experience in commercial and associated business environments is very useful when navigating this type of work. Otherwise, I am a keen golfer and enjoy reading, fishing, and watching my AFL team (Carlton)!

Scarlet

After learning and working alongside people in prison, I discovered how important it is to listen to people’s stories, experiences, and ideas with an open mind and heart. We all need to work together to create change. A lot of what we work on is very serious and challenging. But I’m also a very silly and goofy person. I used to be in the circus so in my spare time you’ll likely find me upside down on a trapeze or hula hooping. That’s why I’ve loved running BSWAC’s art program because we discuss important topics while also connecting and finding joy and fun.

Mark

Education is the path to reducing recidivism, and it is also my passion. I am active in finding better ways to improve the circumstances of people in custody through the skills, critical thinking and qualifications received through appropriate education. Health and wellness is also an area where I find myself influencing those around me, and I look forward to my daily runs or weight sessions.

Audrey

When Dr Marietta Martinovic first presented the inaugural Inside Out program (the precursor to BSWAC) to my University tutorial at RMIT, I immediately knew that it was something that I wanted to participate in. Since then, my interest in the criminal justice system, as well as the broader social services system has developed into a passion. I have experience providing case management support to individuals within the criminal justice system, both within a custodial setting and after their release. More recently, I have worked within Government. I have always found this particular space (BSWAC) special; the insights and astute observations of the group are always thought-provoking, and the creativity is inspiring.

Gabriella

I am a PhD candidate in Criminology at the University of Melbourne. I have worked and volunteered in campaign and advocacy spaces for currently and formerly incarcerated people since 2017. I am an anti-carceral feminist criminologist - my research focuses on women’s experiences of prison and the challenges faced by support workers in punitive criminal-legal systems. When I’m not thinking about prisons, I enjoy listening to ‘80s music, going to the beach, supporting the Fremantle Dockers, and watching bad movies with friends.

Anita

I worked as a Peer Educator alongside Caraniche’s AOD consultants for five years, actively collaborating with women from diverse backgrounds. My passion lies in increasing access to education, healthcare, and vocational training, advocating for trauma-focused prison reform. Additionally, I’m involved in charities that empower vulnerable individuals. In my spare time, I love traveling, reading, listening to music, and attending concerts. I'm also an avid listener of podcasts featuring leaders, high achievers, and spiritual figures.

Jemma

Through completing my undergraduate degree in Criminology and Psychology, I became invested in understanding how Australian criminal justice systems affects peoples’ mental health, and how mental health can be better supported to reduce recidivism. I am passionate about advocating for systemic and structural changes that improve our community’s ability to access and receive mental health support. When it’s time to switch off, I enjoy reading history books, experimenting with new ways to cook tofu, and gardening.

Kate

My dedication to people who are incarcerated began over two decades ago with the shift in asylum-seeker policies that resulted in many people being imprisoned who had not committed an offence. I became involved with advocacy work and lobbying for policy change, and through this work I realised that I didn't want to do anything else. I believe that small shifts in policy can make massive differences in people's lives, and I believe that we as a community have a responsibility to make sure that every person is cared for humanely. When I'm not working on my PhD or curriculums, I love going camping with my friends, and enjoying nature by a campfire.

Steph

I have been engaged with Inside Out Prison Exchange Program, prison-based Think Tanks and BSWAC for nearly a decade and although at times change is slow, I have seen some significant shifts with the criminal justice system and this makes it all worthwhile. I luckily discovered Inside Out while incarcerated. It woke up my sleeping brain with a realisation I was capable of further study. I have a medical background and was shocked to discover the health care system in prison, and how unwell people are treated at times. So, I went on to study a Postgraduate in Health Promotion and ultimately wish to improve the health and treatment of people in prison. I am on several lived experience panels and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. When I am not driving for changes, I like to walk, spend time with my family, explore Melbourne, cook, laugh and catch up with friends.

Jess

I completed the Inside Out Prison Exchange Program in 2017, and I have been a BSWAC member since 2023. I have a background in supporting children and young people with complex trauma backgrounds, victim-survivors, and schools responding to crises, but have recently transitioned into policy reform after completing my Masters of Social Work. I am a self-described anti-carceral feminist, passionate about equity of access to education and reducing the criminalisation of young people in out-of-home care which heavily informs my work. Outside of work, you might catch me down at the dog park, enjoying a game of 5-a-side or trying out a new recipe.

Nicolette

I have a diverse range of interests within the Criminal Justice System, including the neuropsychology of individuals, psychology of cults and the dynamics of white-collar and transnational corporate behaviours. I am currently pursuing my PHD, with a research focus on the impact of Vipassana meditation on individuals involved in the justice system. I’m also the host of the monthly BSWAC podcast. In my spare time I love to broaden my life experience through travel, art and music.

Courtney

I’ve been proudly connected to BSWAC since January 2023. The Inside Out Prison Exchange Program ignited my passion for supporting post-release prisoners and I am currently pursuing an honours in psychology, aspiring to become a forensic psychologist. One of my primary areas of interest in the justice system is the impact of neurodivergence on incarceration rates and prison experiences. I aim to contribute to more informed and compassionate approaches to justice through my work and studies, but when I’m not immersed in this you can find me indulging in my love for diamond art and cosy gaming.

Kayleen

I completed the inside out program in 2019 when I was incarcerated at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and have recently completed another inside out program with Arcadia University Philadelphia alongside participants from all walks of life and from different parts of the world. Both courses I found to be extremely interesting. I am involved in groups whose goals are improving the justice system for those who are incarcerated and am also on lived experience panels with BSWAC, Prison Network and ACS0; all of which work to improve and help those involved with the correction system. When I am relaxing, I am either spending time with my family and friends - especially my grandchildren - or completing art works which I find helps give me peace of mind.

Daniel

I am a dedicated advocate for prison rights and substance abuse recovery. Having experienced addiction and recovery firsthand, I’m committed to supporting others on similar paths. My focus is on ensuring incarcerated individuals receive the necessary resources for rehabilitation, striving to create a more compassionate and effective prison system. Through public speaking and community outreach, I work to inspire change and promote policies that prioritise recovery and reintegration.

Kiki

I was incarcerated during the Covid Lockdown where there was limited education, programs, medical and family interaction being offered. I have been engaged with Inside Out Prison Exchange Program, prison-based Think Tanks and BSWAC for nearly five years. I had been on several lived-experience panels including with Corrections Victoria. I choose to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Prison has taught me that family support and education is the path to reducing recidivism. It is now my passion in finding better ways to improve the circumstances of people in custody through the skills, critical thinking and qualifications I have received. In my spare time I love taking drives visiting places in Victoria for their food. Give me a good platter of cheese, chocolate and ice cream and I am happy!

Associate Professor Marietta Martinovic, Director

Marietta is an Associate Professor of Criminology and Justice Studies at RMIT University. She has a PhD in Social Studies from RMIT University where she conducted extensive research in the area of electronic monitoring. Marietta has taught in various criminology subjects throughout her career and brought the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program into Australia in 2015. She is an expert in electronic monitoring, education in prisons and the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program.

Dwayne Antojado, Associate Director (Research, Advocacy and Partnerships)

Dwayne brings his experience working on various projects embedding and amplifying lived experience perspectives in organisational practice, structure and processes. He frequently publishes scholarly work on the topic of lived experience, especially within criminology and related fields. He has research interests in prison radio, lived experience criminology and LGBTQI+ perspectives in criminology.

Audrey Foley, Associate Director (Membership Engagement)

Audrey is a Criminology and Psychology graduate with an Honours in Criminal Justice. Audrey has been involved in the Inside Out program and Think Tank since its inception as a participant and a co-facilitator. Audrey has extensive experience providing case management support to people who have had contact with the justice system, both within a custodial setting and post-release. Audrey is interested in the role that human-centred design and lived experience can play in redesigning the justice system to be more effective.

Scarlet, Associate Director (Creative Innovation and Programs)

Scarlet is a PhD candidate at RMIT University, and has been part of the Inside Out program and the Prison-based and Community Think Tanks since 2019. Scarlet’s research interests relate to justice issues and LGBTQI+ rights. She is passionate about centring lived experiences, and challenging heteronormative and cisnormative biases that are prevalent in our societal systems and structures. Scarlet’s work is influenced by the arts, and how we can share our stories and connect with others through various mediums that expand our written and verbal words.

Pattie Phillips, Associate Director (Corporate Affairs, Administration and Business Support)

Pattie is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of New England. Pattie has extensive experience in the criminal justice and business sectors. She has been involved in the Inside Out and Think Tank programs since 2017 and is a passionate advocate for educating people in prison and creating clear employment pathways for them to gain financial independence. Pattie wants to see people succeed, especially those that are not often given a second chance.