An important announcement from National Council
I need to inform all AUSIT members that Angelo Berbotto has written to the National Secretary to tender his resignation as National President, for personal (health) reasons, to take effect from the end of March 2024.
National Council will now be taking measures under Section 9 of the AUSIT Constitution to ensure that (a) the affairs of the association continue to be conducted with minimal disruption in the short term, and (b) the vacancy is duly filled in the longer term. We will keep members updated on any developments relating to these measures.
National Council also wish to record their gratitude to Angelo for his leadership since November 2022 and for sparking a number of important initiatives that have been implemented or are under way since then, and express their hope that the situation leading to his resignation will not be of long duration.
The ‘Dear colleagues’ message below will thus be Angelo’s final one to the AUSIT membership as National President.
Erika Gonzalez Garcia
Immediate Past President
on behalf of National Council
Dear Colleagues,
We have started the year in a truly busy manner and the agenda for this month is packed with PD and other engagement activities. AUSIT´s prominence and visibility is growing, and therefore the NC will be assessing how to maximise our exposure and how to develop new resources to support the work our volunteers do.
Creation of the National Language Service Forum
This ‘grouping’ of language services stakeholders across Australia, coordinated by the Department of Home Affairs, serves as a critical consultation mechanism to exchange information amongst sector representatives, and discuss challenges and opportunities related to the sustainability of the language services sector in Australia.
Over 50 organisations are participating in the forum: federal and state government departments, industry bodies (including AALC, ASLITA, AUSIT, FECCA, NAATI, Professionals Australia), academic institutions and LSPs. The wide range of topics the forum may consider includes:
- supply and demand, for example:
- the current workforce profile, including demographics, number of languages spoken, gaps
- potential sector erosion due to: loss of personnel with skills and expertise / remuneration and conditions / qualification and training requirements / re-training, career progression / stress, trauma and OH&S / lack of capacity building
- future community need and demand
- future migration trends and anticipated cohort needs
- National Disability Insurance Scheme pricing schedules and plan funding allocations
- service types and interactions with critical community touchpoints (i.e., health, legal, education)
- management of demand (i.e., lack of comprehensive training, risks)
- practitioner–trainer workforce, remuneration and conditions.
- government purchasing, including current and possible procurement methods, their impact on the sector, and opportunities for improvement.
- quality assurance and standards, for example:
- NAATI-certification and processes
- monitoring, compliance of existing standards for interpreters and language service providers
- policy and regulatory environment
- consideration of consistent capacity building approaches across jurisdictions, including outcomes and benefits to the sector
- VET and University sector (provision of diplomas and bachelor/master’s degrees)
- skills and Job Sector opportunities
- working with the recently established Public Administration and Government Council (Jobs and Skills Councils, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations) to ensure upstream access to skills acquisition through the VET Education sector is considered
- opportunities for quality data collection and research to inform evidence-based practice
- technology and industry impacts, including emerging developments in the sector, such as AI.
AUSIT celebrates the creation of this forum, and has a responsibility to take an active part in shaping its agenda and achieving results.
One key issue we experience in dealing with civil servants is the combination of often limited understanding of our sector with high staff turnover (promotions to other departments), as a result of which we repeatedly have to ‘educate’ from scratch.
Secondly, this forum gathers stakeholders with various and potentially conflicting aims. The interests of LSPs, for example, may be incongruent with those of practitioners. This is why an agile AUSIT – able to respond in real time to issues that come up – is fundamental to ensuring that we don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference.
New VP and Deputy Chair (Comms & PR) appointed
I’m pleased to announce that Rosario Lázaro Igoa has stepped into the role of Vice President, with Olga Kozyrevitch as her deputy. Thank you Rosario and Olga for taking on these key roles!
AUSIT Archive to be established
I’m pleased to be able to announce that Monash Intercultural Lab at Monash University has answered our callout and agreed to host the AUSIT Archive. The next steps are to formalise the agreement and ship the first five boxes of materials to Monash, as well as to nut out the finer details, such as how the archive will be used, what access will be granted and so on.
If you know of any current or past AUSIT office bearers who may have relevant documents or images, please let them know that we’re setting up the AUSIT Archive and would love to hear from them. They can contact AUSIT’s Secretariat here.
AUSIT’s Member Benefits program
As AUSIT grows and its membership becomes increasingly professionalised, organisations that offer services to professionals are increasingly interested in signing AUSIT members up to receive their products and services; and with our numbers growing, some of these organisations can see the benefit of offering discount packages to our members. We currently have two Member Benefit deals listed in our Member-only Resources and Discounts section.
New AUSIT position: Member Benefits contact created
To facilitate this process, AUSIT QLD Branch’s Chair, Carina Mackenzie, has stepped up to be AUSIT’s first Member Benefits (MB) Contact. Carina will be on hand to discuss potential MB deals with representatives of organisations that are interested in coming on board. So if you think an organisation that you deal with in your work might be interested, please contact Carina on memberbenefits@ausit.org
DFAT: updated requirements for translators
FYI, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has recently updated its requirements for translators. NAATI has summarised the changes and current requirements here.
TIS Capacity Building Program Update
TIS National, Monash University and NAATI are partnering to support interpreters through the Capacity Building Program for Certified Specialist Health and Certified Specialist Legal Interpreter credentials. You can read more about the program on NAATI’s website here.
‘ASLIA’ changes its name to ‘ASLITA’
At the AGM of the erstwhile Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA) in mid-2023, members voted to change the association’s name to the Australian Sign Language Interpreter and Translators Association (ASLITA).
FIT/ITI develop guidelines for cultural institutions on the use of translations
In response to literary translator Yilin Wang’s recent battle with the British Museum over the unpaid and unacknowledged use of her work (see our last two issues of In Touch magazine for our report on the issue and interview with Yilin), the International Federation of Translators (FIT) – of which AUSIT is a member – has worked with the UK-based Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) to put together a set of guidelines on the use of translations by cultural institutions. You can find them on our website here.
Have you participated in AUSIT’s Mentoring Program yet?
Since the early days of T&I in Australia, many experienced practitioners have volunteered their time to help and advise colleagues who are at the outset of their careers, or mid-career practitioners who are ready to take their practice to the next level. One of AUSIT’s mandates is to further the development of our profession by supporting our members with a variety of professional development opportunities. So when AUSIT member Claudia Koch McQuillan came up with the idea of setting up a mentoring program within AUSIT while doing her master’s degree in T&I pedagogy, colleagues within AUSIT volunteered to take part.
That was around 2013, and the AUSIT Mentoring Program has run in most years since then. This structured 6-month program for AUSIT members* pairs experienced practitioners with early career colleagues.
The AUSIT Mentoring Program 2024 is now open for applications from both mentors and mentees (see OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUSIT MEMBERS section below).
* Both mentees and mentors must be current AUSIT members.
Introducing more AUSIT volunteers: 2023's mentors (AUSIT Mentoring Program)
In 2023, 11 experienced practitioners volunteered their time to mentor a total of 13 AUSIT colleagues (two mentors each took on two mentees).
I’d like to thank all of 2023’s mentors for their contribution to the ongoing pursuit of excellence in our profession. A wide variety of people volunteer to mentor. Meet some of last year’s mentors:
Cátia Cassiano
II’m a NAATI-certified translator (English<>Portuguese). I’ve been a translator for 14 years and I love my job. I’ve always loved to share my knowledge with others, so I created a professional blog called In the Eyes of a Translator and a YouTube channel called All About Translation. In 2023, I launched Updated Words Learning, where I help those who want to become translators, as well as becoming a mentor in the AUSIT Mentoring Program.
Christopher Flynn (2 mentees)
I grew up on a farm in Central West NSW, monolingual until I discovered the joy of foreign languages in 1984.
I got my NAATI accreditation in English–Japanese interpreting in 1991, did an MA in Advanced Japanese Studies in 2003, and became a NAATI-certified translator (Japanese>English) the same year.
Interpreting has taken me around the world, from filming platypus on Kangaroo Island to the Rugby World Cup in Japan, and the beaches of Antigua.
When I’m not working, I enjoy playing over-60s rugby, and I’m happy to share my experiences with those looking to take on the challenge of a career in T&I.
Max de Montaigne
The world of translation opens a whole prospect to many of us who followed a different path in a previous life, and I am no exception. As an agronomist, I specialised in entomology. As a NAATI accredited and now certified translator, I make use of my technical experience as a field engineer in complex mining projects involving multiple disciplines where I continue to learn a lot about … a lot.
Nicola Thayil
I’m a Melbourne-based French>English translator and French–English conference interpreter with a Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies degree from Monash University. I now tutor in T&I Studies at Monash, as well as currently being AUSIT’s National Education Coordinator and serving on the Educational Affiliates’ Committee, as well as being mum to six-year-old Joseph.
Rika Shimo-Moraghan
I started my working life at Sony in Tokyo, writing instruction manuals. Then I moved to Australia and taught Japanese at Newcastle Uni, then at RMIT University, after which I taught interpreting and translation at Monash University and also worked for a technical translation company. I currently do some interpreting and translation, while spending most of my time working on my family vineyard/winery in Little Hampton, Victoria
.
Epperly Zhang (National PD Coordinator)
I’m a NAATI-certified translator (Chinese–English), I hold a Master of Translation Studies degree from the University of Melbourne, and I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Interpreting Studies at RMIT University.
In my spare time, I enjoy watching dinosaur documentaries and attempting to learn Polish.
Carl Gene Fordham (Chair & National Vice President, Events & PD)
I’m a Brisbane-based court interpreter and forensic translator, and I’m passionate about helping Mandarin speakers access justice. My journey with Chinese began in primary school; In high school I was fortunate to attend a three-year Chinese immersion program, and I later obtained my master’s in T&I from RMIT University.
I then worked in T&I for 14 years (including 7 in China, where I studied ancient Chinese history and Classical Chinese documents), I’m NAATI-certified in both translation and interpreting, and I’ve taught T&I casually at the University of Queensland for 3 years.
In my new VP role I’m looking forward to expanding AUSIT’s PD calendar (see my request regarding the National PD Survey, below).
AUSIT National PD Survey 2024
And lastly, before we move on to Branch News, don’t miss the chance to have your say in what PD options you’d like to have available through AUSIT. If you haven’t already done it, fill in the AUSIT National PD survey – it will take you less than five minutes.
And we want to know what all Australian T/Is want – so please forward the survey link to any colleagues who are not (yet!) members of AUSIT, and encourage them to take part.
AUSIT New Member Referral Rewards
Don’t forget to encourage non-members to join up! AUSIT has already handed out three Referral Rewards. You can find out how here.
BRANCH NEWS
ACT Branch
… as reported by Dave Deck
Over the weekend 16–18 February, the ACT Branch ran a stall at Canberra’s annual Multicultural Festival, held in the streets of the City centre. During the 2.5 days of the Festival, 17 branch members (about 1 in 5 of the total branch membership) took turns to staff the stall and answer questions from the general public (especially members of Canberra’s various language communities, many of whom also had stalls) about translating and interpreting. To assist with this, the branch had also produced two brochures written specifically for those from a CALD background who are likely to require the services of T&I practitioners. One deals with getting personal documents translated, and the other with getting access to an interpreter. A number of these were handed out, and more were distributed to representatives of various embassies and cultural associations at other festival stalls.
A feature of this year’s stall was that it was shared with NAATI, who were able to provide enquirers with information about becoming a T/I; there were useful synergies in both AUSIT and NAATI representatives being able to refer enquiries to each other.
Below: The team setting up on the Friday evening, left to right: Ling Jin, Dave Deck, and George Shaw from AUSIT, and Brenna Rebeiro from NAATI.
AUSIT PD & EVENTS
SA/NT Branch Presents:
Decision-Control Schema: Ethical Decision Making Continued (Adelaide) – 4 March 2024Ethical decision-making extends beyond navigating true ethical dilemmas; it involves the myriad decisions we encounter as interpreters. From accepting assignments, through preparation and briefing, to decisions on whether and how to interject, as well as choosing words and tone, our professional actions are guided by complex considerations.
This process continues through follow-up, reflective practice, and our continuous improvement strategies. Designed for those familiar with the Demand Control Schema and newcomers alike, this workshop will explore these themes through scenario-based discussions, aiming to enrich our approach to ethical decision-making in our work.
AUSIT NAT Presents:
Introduction to the AUSIT Best Practices for the Translation of Official and Legal Documents – 9 March 2024
Did you study translation back when you were a level 3 translator? Have you wanted to enrol in a master’s program but didn’t meet the entrance requirements? Is this the first time you are hearing about the Best Practices document? If your answer to these questions is yes, then this is the session for you! You may be surprised to discover that there is a fabulous tool out there to help you standardise and improve the presentation of your official and legal document translations. Created over a decade ago, many practitioners still have not been exposed to this very useful resource.
AUSIT NAT Presents:
Virtual Student Meet and Greet Webinar – 18 March 2024The AUSIT National Education Committee would like to welcome all AUSIT Student Members and students at our Educational Affiliates to participate in a Student Meet and Greet – network, discuss and get to know students from across Australia!
AUSIT WA Presents:
Ethics Discussion Evening For Interpreters via Zoom – 19 March 2024
Join fellow professionals for an evening of ethical dilemmas. Cooperate in small groups to solve scenarios from real-life interpreting situations and learn by problem-solving each other’s experiences.
AUSIT WA Presents:
Harmony Week Social Event Picnic in the Park (Perth) – 23 March 2024
Join us as we celebrate HARMONY WEEK together with a picnic by the beautiful Swan River.
EXTERNAL PD & EVENTS
All information below is provided by external organisations. Please register and direct any enquiries to the relevant contact outlined in each announcement, rather than to AUSIT.
NexPD: Note Taking for Long Consecutive Interpreting Workshop (16 March)
Interpreting for people who have experienced sexual assault (3–4 April, applications close 6 March)
Interactional Management Workshop (12 August)
Sight Translation Workshop (27 July)
2024 NZSTI Conference (Auckland, 7–8 September)
ASLIA National Conference 2024 (Adelaide, 13–15 September)
TransIbérica (online conference in Spanish, Portuguese and English, theme: ‘T&I and the Evolution of Artificial Intelligence’, 21–22 November 2024)
translatorforum.de is a resource for those translating from the German language. You can find upcoming sessions here.
CALLS FOR PAPERS / PROPOSALS
ASLIA National Conference: Call for papers ANC2024 (closes 4 March / FYI: ASLIA is now ASLITA)
2024 NZSTI Conference, Auckland, 7–8 September (closes 15 March)
Linguistica Antverpiensia, New Series – Themes in Translation Studies, special issue on Machine and Computer-assisted Interpreting, Vol. 24, 2025 (closes 1 April)
Article submissions always open for Defence Australia’s Yarning magazine. Submit by 24 May for July’s ‘English Languages’ edition.
CALLS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Translators wanted to participate in a survey (Both users and non-users of Generative AI (GenAI), to investigate how many professional translators use these tools, and how they do so.)
Wanted for research project: a proficient speaker of English as a second language
Wanted for research project: an English-language editor w/ experience correcting non-native English
Research Project: The efficacy of post-editing machine translation on translation processes and products in translator training (Online Participation)
If you meet the following profile:
1. Native speaker of Mandarin Chinese
2. Completed middle and high school in China
3. Current undergraduate student in Australia
4. Having taken at least one translation course
Click here to find out more and to register your interest.
Research participants needed: Access to hearing services
Interpreters’ and hearing care professionals’ perspectives on engagement with translation & interpreting services by audiologists/audiometrists. Register your interest here.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUSIT MEMBERS
Callout for experienced members to become mentors …
Do you have valuable experience and knowledge that could benefit your less experienced colleagues? You can find out more and apply here (scroll down to ‘Mentors’).
… & invitation for early and mid-career practitioners to apply for mentorships
Do you have questions that only a more experienced practitioner can answer? Or feel you need some guidance in moving to the next level of excellence in your practice? Ask AUSIT’s Education Coordinator to pair you with a suitable mentor. Find out more and apply here (scroll down to ‘Mentees’).
Create the logo for the 37th AUSIT National Conference and win a gift voucher worth $300
The National Conference 2024 Organising Committee invites AUSIT members and their friends* and relatives* to submit logo designs that reflect the conference theme:
‘Linguistic Equity and Access: translating and interpreting – connecting our communities and the world’
To enter the competition,* submit the logo here to by 11.59 pm on 31 March.
* Any design by a non-member must be submitted by the member who endorses the logo, from the email address that AUSIT has on record for them. Results will be announced in the April Newsletter.
EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES
Creative Australia’s Translation Fund for Literature
Next application round closes on 9 April 2023.
AAH Medal for Excellence in Translation (biennial)
Applications due to open in April.
AALITRA Translation Awards 2024
Focus language: French. Entries open 28 February and close 28 May.
JOB KIOSK
SIIT is Recruiting Trainers for Diploma of Interpreting Across
a variety of Language Streams
For more information please contact: SIIT’s coordinator.
READING CORNER: interesting articles & journals
Article on legal interpreters in Law Society Gazette (January 2024) (go to page 29)
Yarning: the language and culture magazine (published by Defence Australia)
J. Angelo Berbotto
AUSIT National President
Supporting Professional Standards Visit our website Check our Professional Development page for upcoming PD events Read our award-winning quarterly magazine In Touch Find past newsletters and magazine articles on our blog
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Contact AUSIT Secretariat: admin@ausit.org
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