Col’s Chat – Locals through my Lens – Vincent Siahaan 

Col’s Chat –

Locals through my Lens

Vincent Siahaan 

Before me sits Vincent Siahaan, a man whose fortunes have ebbed and flowed on a tide that few of us could ever contemplate. It’s a story of captivity, awakened consciousness, the strength of family, prejudice and ultimately redemption. And it’s a story that would not be walking on freedom’s road today if it were not for the great community of Samford.  

“I had good jobs and worked hard, but it would be an understatement to say that I got caught up in the wrong thing. I was sentenced to nine years in prison for drug trafficking. I’d never been to jail before, and it was pretty tough. I had a wife, and a one and three-year-old at home. Nothing can prepare you for it.”    

After four and a half years served, Vincent was released on parole. “Despite the obvious joy at seeing my family, it was – at times – just as hard being out. In prison there was structure, routine, identity and place. Outside I didn’t know who I was and, even though I had family and money (something a lot of others released prisoners don’t) it was a struggle to get through.” 

Feeling a burden at home, Vincent set about searching for a job, but despite skills and experience, the albatross around this neck was the word ‘parole’.  

“I applied for so many jobs, but having mentioned in confidence about my circumstances, I never heard back from anyone. I was, however, fortunate that my wife funded me to study to be a personal trainer, and I put all my energy into that.” 

When Vincent approached a local gym with his new qualifications in his ‘bag’, he was finally given an opportunity; but that too was to turn sour. “I found out that some months later that someone was going around telling all the members that I had been in prison. I was frustrated. That was my story to tell. I had built up an amazing friendship with my client base, and they were so supportive, but the approach of one person made my employment there untenable.” 

Though one individual may have soured things, the role of the Samford community at large was overwhelming for Vincent and has played a big role on where he is today. “I was basically back to square one at this stage, but found support in the Samford Valley Church, who allowed me space to start doing one-on-one boot camp training. I called it Inside Out.” 

Functionally, Inside Out started small, but the concept was huge. “In March this year I took over my own space in Samford and, with the support of my wife, I was able to kit it out to start running classes.” 

At this point, Vincent recognised the journey he had undertaken and applied that to others who were still inside, and who may face a tougher path when they were released. “A lot of people have reached out to me on their release and I have been able to hook them up with work through newfound connections. Some of these people had been in and out of prison several times, and yet now they are still working; still making a new life for themselves. With a friend who had been through the same journey as me, we sat down and talked about what we could do to help more people. I put a post on the Samford Community page and was blown away for the positivity of the response.”  

So many people reached out offering their services: local business, counselling services, St Vinnies, not for profits and many more. “I now have a mentor and I’m sitting with people who have raised this same issue with people at the United Nations. I’m just a kid from Logan, and I have had so much interest from across the board, including media.” 

Vincent keeps returning to the importance of community. “When I went away, a lot of people turned their back on me. But now, this community has restored my faith in humanity. People are judging me for who I am today, not who I was back then.” 

One on one training aside, Vincent is spending every waking hour making this project the best he can be. Visiting employers all over Brisbane, setting up a business framework and applying for charity status. It’s full steam ahead, and without the support he would be – as he puts it – flying a plane with my eyes closed.  

Ultimately, Vincent’s goals are clear. “I need people to change their perceptions around formerly incarcerated individuals. Of course, not everyone is going to come out and do the right thing, but there are so many people who are sick of that life and have potential. But when those people come out and are rejected time after time, how long will it take for them to go back to old habits? Because we now have a recognised platform, employers are starting to give these individuals jobs. It’s a springboard for a second chance.” 

“If you throw young people in jail, they are going to know that jail is not something to be scared of. If you’ve got nothing outside, you look at jail as an easy world. You’re fed and clothed; you get your medication, can get fit, can study, you’ve got friends. When you come out you’ve lost that identity. If all you are going to get is rejection, why would you leave?” 

Before we depart, Vincent adds, “I don’t see what I do as inspiring, I just feel that everyone needs to be doing something; whether that’s what I do or what you’re doing. I don’t see it as special. I’m just doing what I can, and if everyone did that things would be a whole lot better.   

Too true.  

To find out more, visit https://www.insideoutbne.com 

Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography