From: Acting National President Dr Erika González
Dear colleagues,
I cannot believe that yesterday I chaired my last National Council meeting. It´s been nearly four years of steering the AUSIT boat in total, and it is bitter-sweet to step down. I am truly grateful to my colleagues in the National Council, the current Melbourne Conference Organising Committee and the many other colleagues who have supported me, offered their expertise and friendship, and provided comfort in low moments. Also, I am forever grateful to Office Logistics. Donna, Michele and Amanda are true gems and with increasing workloads and responsibilities, I would not have been able to do my job without their professional support. The same goes to Helen Sturgess, our super dynamo Communications Officer, and to Epperly Zhang and Nicola Thayil for their professionalism, commitment and diligence in their positions as the National PD and Education coordinators.
It is now time for me to move on, but I will remain a volunteer in the Advocacy Committee, and will represent AUSIT in Standards Australia. I am confident that the new National President will bring renewed energy and an injection of fresh air.
Due diligence in the digital era
I’d like to remind all members to be cautious and exercise their own due diligence when approached for work. In recent weeks, four members have contacted AUSIT to report scams they’ve received, purporting to be from legitimate representatives of often existing and sometimes well-known organisations, including LSPs.
There are checks you can perform to help determine if an offer is legitimate (including approaching the supposed sender directly via their website to confirm the invitation is legitimate). Do you know what to look for? You can learn more about cyber safety, including some of the key signs of a scam, by visiting these websites:
Australian Government Cyber Security
… and don’t forget that some short courses on cyber safety may be eligible for PD points – check the criteria under item 1.5 in the NAATI PD Catalogue for details.
AUSIT New Member Referral Reward scheme extended
Our membership keeps fluctuating between 1800 and 2000. These are great figures, but there are about 9,000 practitioners in Australia, and we´d like more of our colleagues to be members! Membership fees allow us to offer more benefits, take new initiatives and support the profession better. Throughout 2024 we’ve run the AUSIT New Member Referral Reward scheme, and it’s worked so well (a total of 42 to date), the National Council has approved its roll-out for the next year as well. Don’t forget, when you refer a new Ordinary or Student member, your reward is a free PD webinar from the AUSIT Webinar Library. You can find more details of the scheme, plus links to a list of great reasons to join, and to our membership application form, here.
AUSIT Webinar Library
Remember that we have an on-demand Webinar Library with over 100 titles, which members can access at the usual discounted fees. Feel free to browse the library and get what you need for your recertification or learning goals.
Special Resolutions: don’t forget to cast your votes!
As per the e-Flash sent out on 10 October, National Council is proposing two Special Resolutions to be voted on by members, and urges all members to participate in the voting, to make sure your views are registered. On or before Friday 1 November, you will receive your own unique link to the electronic ballot, which will close at 23:59 on Friday 15 November. You can find out what the Special Resolutions are about here.
AUSIT’s social media: spread the word!
The Communications Committee is keen to activate and increase the visibility of AUSIT’s social media. When you have a free moment, do check out our socials, and don’t forget to follow and re-post. We’re on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Youtube: .
AUSIT’s new Students’ Committee is up and running
The AUSIT Student Committee Chair Emma Yeung reports that on Thursday 19 September, the committee hosted a very successful information session to help students get up to date on NAATI’s certification system.
The Student Committee members were joined by Pascale Johnstone and Francesca Cimarelli from NAATI, who covered the CPI (Certified Provisional Interpreter) and CI (Certified Interpreter) tests. Pascale discussed the NAATI certification system, recertification requirements, and the key differences between the online and in-person CPI exams, particularly focusing on the interaction with role-players. The session also covered details on equipment, test environment, and useful resources and links.
There were a total of 85 participants along with the committee members and NAATI guests, and there were a lot of questions from attendees.
AUSIT member receives a NSW Community Service Award
In June, Christine Meng Ji was awarded the prestigious NSW Government Community Service Award in recognition of her decade-long dedication to research and community service aimed at promoting multicultural health, particularly in improving access to health education resources and services for culturally and linguistically diverse Australians.
Associate Professor Ji works in the School of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney, and is School Chair of Diversity and Inclusion; Faculty Academic Plan Lead – Disability; and Co-Chair, University Disability at Work Network (DAWN). You can read more about her award and her work here.
Don’t be shy, tell us about your achievements!
Did you enjoy reading about Christine Ji’s award (above)? And Kevin Windle’s shortlisting for the AAH Medal for Excellence in Translation (in last month’s newsletter)? We came across both by chance!
No one likes to feel like they’re blowing their own trumpet, but other AUSIT members really do like to hear about what their colleagues are doing, so please put modesty aside and let us know when you receive an award, have a book published (even if it’s not about T&I!), or achieve another significant goal in your T&I career. Just drop an email to our Communications Officer.
Adding value: pre-National Conference PD sessions
If you’re attending the National Conference in Melbourne next month, why not register for one of the free pre-Conference workshops that we’re running on Thursday (21 Nov), in the run-up to the opening sessions. Look out for an upcoming eFlash with registration links and further information!
There will be four themed workshops, including ‘When Interpreting is not Enough: Comparing Patient Navigators with Interpreters in Healthcare Settings’ by Ineke Crezee and Cynthia Roat, and ‘Community Engagement in Translation’ by Cameron Darke. Please note, these four sessions are exclusively for conference attendees. See also below for the face-to-face Language Division Meet-and-Greets.
Language Division Meet-and-Greets in Melbourne – all comers
We´re also running up to eight Language Division Meet-and-Greets. So far, we have slots for Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Japanese, French, Spanish and Thai. Professionals Australia will host a networking event as well. These sessions are open to all – AUSIT members and non-members alike. Again, we encourage you to keep an eye out for our upcoming eFlash with registration links and further information!
AUSIT National Conference 2024
We already have 400+ registrants for the conference, which is a great achievement. It´s exciting to welcome our colleagues from across the country for our annual flagship event in Melbourne. We have six different conference streams, so there will be something for everyone! This year there will be a significant focus on AI, and we’ve lined up a stellar selection of national and international keynote speakers.
Thank you again to our major sponsors (see below). A conference of this magnitude would not be viable without their financial support. My gratitude also goes to our Silver, Bronze, Accessibility, Keynote Speaker and Speakers’ Gifts sponsors. Collectively, you have truly made this conference viable!
For more information regarding the Conference, session program, extra-curricular events, registration and pricing, visit our conference website here.
Ruby Sponsor: Language Loop
Emerald Sponsor: NAATI
Platinum Sponsor: Oncall Language Services
Platinum Sponsor: TIS National – Department of Home Affairs
Venue Sponsor: RMIT University
AUSIT Special Resolutions – Q&A now available on AUSIT Engage!
You would have received an email from National Council on 10 October regarding two Special Resolutions to be voted on next month and, if passed, presented for ratification at the National Annual General Meeting on 23 November.
Based on previous experience with resolutions such as these, National Council anticipates that some members will require clarification of particular issues, or indeed might like to express their own opinions about one or other proposal. (National Council’s first priority was to send the Special Resolutions notification out by 11 October, to meet the requirements of the AUSIT constitution.) Two queries have in fact already been received via the National Secretariat (admin@ausit.org), and responses were sent to the members concerned.
However, to maximise members’ access to relevant information, the National Secretariat has set up a page on the AUSIT Engage platform and, as queries come in and are responded to, both the questions and the responses will be posted there for all to read (including the two already answered).
You can access the page here and, for those who haven’t yet used AUSIT Engage, below is a link to a short tutorial of how to create a login password, where to find the FAQs, and to find your way around the language groups and discussion forums.
Click here to watch (the password to access the recording is: #AUSIT#!2024)
National Council encourages all members to further inform themselves about these Special Resolutions, and then to vote in the electronic poll that will open for voting on Friday 1 November and close on Friday 15 November.
Kind regards,
National Council
BRANCH NEWS
SA/NT Branch
… as reported by Joe Van Dalen
The SANT Branch held a picnic in Bonython Park, Adelaide on Saturday 19 October and some 17 people attended for a very convivial gathering and chat. This included some young non-members from the Ukraine
VIC Branch
… as reported by Jess Shepherd
Our monthly social drinks are going stronger than ever! We had our biggest turn out yet in September with around 45 people attending across the evening. We even had an international photographer all the way from France (shout out to Antoine Bouchina!) take a lovely photo for us.
Our next one will be on Halloween (don’t let that spook you from coming!) at the Bank on Collins in Melbourne CBD from 5.30pm onwards. Look forward to seeing you there!
WA Branch
… as reported by Mary Street
AUSIT WA Branch AGM, 2024
Catherine Pfammatter, AUSIT WA Chairperson, opened the event with an Acknowledgement of Country, and a welcome to members in attendance. Representing Multicultural Futures, Mr Mark Davies then gave a presentation entitled ‘Cultural Safety and Culturally-Appropriate Communication’.
Mark Davies works as a community education facilitator, delivering education sessions to CALD community groups and organisations that support CALD individuals. His focus is on enhancing understanding of mental health and wellbeing, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues, and empowering individuals to access appropriate support mechanisms.
At the break, members had an opportunity to network over a cuppa, and enjoy some delicious treats from many different traditions.
At the AGM, a summary of AUSIT WA Branch events and activities over the previous year was presented. A new branch committee for 2024–25 was then elected.
After five years of dedicated service, Nora Pucci resigned from the branch committee and as PD Coordinator. She was presented with flowers as a token of our sincere appreciation for her efforts. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Photos, right, from top: Welcome to the AGM by Catherine Pfammatter / Multicultural Futures presenter, Mr Mark Davies / WA Branch members networking in the break time.
Below: the outgoing committee, from the left – Catherine Pfammatter (Chair), Elisa Michelini (Secretary), Nora Pucci (PD Coordinator) and Mary Street (Membership Liaison Officer)
Bottom: AGM attendees.
AUSIT PD & EVENTS
Understand the RNS – Get PD Points
You have probably heard a lot about the RNS in relation to the Translators and Interpreters Australia petition for better pay. But what is the RNS, and why is it so important for interpreters?
Understanding and implementing the RNS are key to improving pay and conditions for interpreters and ensuring your profession is respected as it should be. This is why TIA and AUSIT are teaming up to bring you an exclusive PD session:
Update to the Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts & Tribunals
Wednesday, 6 November
5–7 pm AEDT
via Zoom
Register now
and mark your calendar.
Zoom link will be emailed 2 days before event.
What You’ll Get
- The inside scoop on the Recommended National Standards (RNS) – what they are, how they will help you and why you should fight for their implementation.
- Practical tips to boost your interpreting game and ensure you’re set for success in the courtroom.
- A Q&A session where you can ask the experts anything!
- PD points.
Recommendation: be prepared and read over the RNS before the event.
Get ready to learn about your rights, improve your professional standards and, level up your skills!
This event is a screening of the AUSIT presentation of 2022, followed by a live Q&A with senior interpreters Cintia Lee and Patricia Avila.
PD Points, Certificates and Recordings
Please consult the NAATI Recertification Catalogue to allocate the relevant PD Points – downloadable from www.naati.com.au. Some activities can be included under different categories, so please choose the most appropriate category for your recertification purposes.
Certificates for PD purposes and copies of recordings (if available) may take approximately two (2) weeks to be released following the event.
AUSIT shares information on matters of interest to members on behalf of external organisations and individuals. AUSIT does not endorse them or vet them for suitability. Please direct any enquiries to the relevant contacts given, rather than to AUSIT.
Research projects posted here have obtained the necessary ethics clearance from the appropriate Ethics Committee of their relevant institution(s). It remains the responsibility of each participant to request proof of this clearance from the researcher(s) leading the project.
EXTERNAL PD, EVENTS and OPPORTUNITIES
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Let’s Talk about Cancer
Thursday 21st November 2024
10 am–12 pm AEDT
This course is for all interpreters who would like to learn more about cancer. During the session, you will hear from professionals and interpreters servicing the cancer space. This is an opportunity to learn more about cancer, cancer terminology, and how to approach challenging situations interpreters face, such as: delivering bad news, navigating family meetings, interpreting in palliative care and in environments where Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is being discussed.
After completing this program, you should:
- be able to explain cancer in your own words, and have increased familiarity with some of the terms used during cancer conversations
- have increased confidence in scenarios such as conversations around palliative care and voluntary assisted dying
- have gained insights and tips from interpreters experienced in the cancer setting.
NAATI Points: Category 1.4, 10 points
For any enquiries, please contact interpreterservices@petermac.
To register, click the in person or online option below, then ‘add to cart’ (button top right) to register. Registration will require that you create a PeterMac account login to finalise the transaction via the next step – Sign Up: ‘All other new users – Register’ button.
Download a PDF Flyer about this workshop here
9:30 am – 12 pm AEDT
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Lvl 13 Event Space, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne 3000
Registrations and morning tea provided from 9.30 am
In person: $77
10 am – 12 pm AEDT
Online via Zoom
Virtual: $55
CALLS FOR PAPERS / PROPOSALS
XXIII FIT WORLD CONGRESS 2025 – Machine Masters: Shaping Tomorrow’s Intelligence (Geneva, Switzerland, 4–6 September 2025 – call for papers, deadline for abstracts / posters: 1 November)
15th International Symposium on Bilingualism (ISB15) – The Different Faces of Bilingualism (conference, Kursaal, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, 9–13 June 2025 – call for papers, deadline: 13 November)
Cadernos de Tradução, special issue on Tradução e interculturalidade: chinês-português, Vol. 45(3), 2025 (journal, deadline for submissions: 30 November)
International Conference on Economic, Business, Financial and Institutional Translation (Shanghai, 23–24 June 2025, abstract submission deadline: 15 Dec)
4th International Conference on Multilingual Digital Terminology Today. Design, Representation Formats and Management Systems (conference, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, 19–20 June 2025 – call for papers, deadline: 20 December)
Popular Fiction in Translation – An International Conference (University of Ghent, Belgium – call for papers, deadline: 15 January 2025)
Tradumàtica, special issue on Translation Technologies for Professionals within and beyond the Language Industries, Vol. 23, 2025 (journal, deadline for submissions: 31 March 2025)
CALLS FOR PARTICIPANTS
BPG: Best Practice Guidelines for Co-designing Community Translations
Participants are needed for Monash research into translation co-design / co-development and community checking.
Have you ever been involved in a co-design / co-development process, community checking, or community review panel for a translation?
Monash University is partnering with LanguageLoop to investigate current practices in the industry and develop a set of ‘best practice’ guidelines for community translation. We invite anyone who has had experience with community translation to complete the short 10-15-minute anonymous research Survey
If you have any questions, concerns or require assistance, please contact the Chief Investigator, Leah Gerber.
We value your input and thank you for your time.
Please note this survey closes on 30 November 2024.
EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in literary translation? Check out AALITRA
The recent PD session on literary translation was very well attended. For those interested in a career in this area, if you haven’t checked out the Australian Association for Literary Translation (AALITRA) yet, take some time and do so. AALITRA promotes interest in all aspects of literary translation, sponsors public lectures, holds conferences with university bodies interested in the theory and practice of literary translation, and publishes an online journal, The AALITRA review.
PhD Scholarship in Improving Under-representation of Migrant Population in Virtual Emergency
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients is significantly under-represented in the uptake of Australia’s first Virtual Emergency Department platform hosted at Northern Health since its introduction in 2023. This project intends to identify the enabling and preventative factors for CALD community members to access the service, and to explore change avenues to enhance the health and wellbeing for this cohort in society.
This project intends to address the under-representation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients in the uptake of Australia’s first Virtual Emergency Department platform hosted at Northern Health since its introduction in 2023. It also aims to investigate clinician’s low use rate of interpreting services via the virtual platform compared to conventional telephone interpreting service. The project entails a 3-month internship based at the Northern Hospital, and will make a significant contribution to their endeavours in improving CALD patients’ health and wellbeing.
A suitable candidate should be familiar with interpreting and translation studies, in particular the scholarship of healthcare interpreting, and should have solid understanding and/or experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
To apply, please submit you CV and cover letter to miranda.lai@rmit.edu.au explaining why you are suitable for this project.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
PhD Scholarship
See RMIT Scholarship details in ‘EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES’ section above.
JOBS KIOSK
READING CORNER
Cerna, L (2024). CVs and Freelancers
As mentioned at the beginning of this newsletter, it has been a privilege to serve AUSIT for nearly four years as the National President, and then Acting President. I am leaving this role happy with the things we have collectively achieved. There is still much to do, but my successor has accepted the challenge, and I have no doubt that the new National President will continue working hard for the benefit of this profession and AUSIT as an organisation. I know that many considered that I was yet another academic who is removed from the challenges that practitioners face. However, I can tell you that I have attended every stakeholder meeting, government advisory committee and forum, with you all in mind. Balancing a full-time academic position, a family and AUSIT has been most challenging at times, but my commitment to raise the bar and recognition of our profession and my desire to improve both working conditions and remuneration have always been the drive that has kept me going. That’s why I’ve made the decision to join the Advocacy Committee when I leave my current role. AUSIT is all of us, and as I have mentioned a few times over the years, AUSIT is as good as we make it. We all have a role to play, so this is a call to you all to offer your expertise, time and good self to AUSIT and volunteer as much or as little as you can. This could be taking a role at national or state level, delivering PD, organising language-specific master classes with your colleagues, among many other options. Thanks again for your trust and all the best to everyone! I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the National Conference next month. Warmest regards, |
Erika González, AUSIT Acting 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 This communication direct from AUSIT is part of your membership benefits. |
Copyright © 2024 AUSIT, all rights reserved |
