Arbeit macht frei: - Fredrick Töben

Chapter 32
WELCOME HOME
12 November 2009: My exit from the Cadell Training Centre, thanks to
Peter Hartung, occurred in some comfort because he picked me up by car
and so I was spared a 2–3 hour bus trip to Adelaide.
The day began with the 7 a.m. unlocking of cell doors, enabling those who
so wished to dash to the kitchenette for breakfast. I have my usual breakfast
– in my specially made ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ mug that has been in the
microwave oven for 1 minute and 20 seconds.
During my stay some fellows would look at me with bemusement when I
had breakfast. They did not mind my eating toast made from bread
produced at Mobilong Prison, on which I place a generous helping of
lovely apricot and raspberry jam. That was understandable but to eat Weet-
Bix out of a mug – that was going too far, until a fellow reminds us that he
would now and again sprinkle some Milo on his bowl of Weet-Bix or
cornflakes.
That is the point, of course: a bowl is fine but to use a mug, that is a
problem for some. It reminds me of the fishy story and the labelling of
inmates as ‘dogs’ in a derogatory way.
The 8 a.m. parade is striking for the fellows see me in my suit with a white
shirt and tie. Prisoners are not allowed to wear ties upon entering the
system because, like belts, they can be instruments of harm, especially of
one’s self.
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