OBITUARY
In early February AUSIT lost a dedicated member whose volunteer efforts as a NSW Branch Committee member, National Conference Organising Committee member (2023), abstract reviewer and mentor will be greatly missed.
Marion recognised multilingualism as a gift … and also as an instrument of power.
Marion inherited her love of languages from her mother, who spoke six languages, as well as from her experiences growing up as a native French-speaking Fleming in post-war Antwerp.
She completed her primary schooling in French and her high school years in Dutch, and also studied Spanish, Italian, German, Latin and Ancient Greek, as well as developing a proficiency in English greater than many native speakers. An avid traveller, she put effort into learning the local language before visiting a country out of a sense of both respect and curiosity for the diversity of cultures.
After studying stenography in Brussels, where the headquarters of the European Union brought many cultures together, Marion went on to study psychology at the 540-year-old Catholic University of Louvain, at a time of unrest which was due in part to the uneven status of Belgium’s linguistic communities, and in part to the growing Flemish secessionist movement. When visiting her native Antwerp after migrating to Australia in 1985, Marion was disappointed to find she had to speak English in shops to avoid the risk of being refused service if her French accent was detected when speaking Dutch.
Marion recognised multilingualism as a gift, an insight into other ways of understanding the world, and also as an instrument of power. Her dedication to translating and interpreting came from not only her love of language, but also a desire to even the scales, particularly for people who needed to inform and advocate for themselves in institutions such as the healthcare and legal systems. She was a NAATI-certified translator (French<>English) for Hunter New England Health with expertise in medical terminology, and also translated everything, from official documents to novels and biographies, and including for a case in the Federal Court of Australia.
Her dedication to the profession included supporting colleagues, and she poured voluntary effort into AUSIT, NAATI and the Alliance Française, as well as ensuring she passed on her French to her children and grandchildren.
While maintaining a strong commitment to professional ethics, including the duty of neutrality, Marion’s dedication to clients went beyond interpreting. Her colleagues at Hunter New England Health’s Multicultural Health Unit will not forget the letter of thanks they received from the mother of a young Swiss man who had lost the use of his legs in a tragic accident while visiting Australia. When his mother – who barely spoke English – flew out to Australia, Marion not only translated for her but helped her navigate the health system, provided both practical advice about the local area and emotional support, and remained in contact with her after she returned to Switzerland.
Having been one of the first AUSIT members from the Newcastle region, Marion was a committed member of the NSW Branch Committee for many years, and the only member from beyond Sydney attending monthly meetings. She brought insightful contributions to ensure the branch’s work was pertinent and accessible not only to those in major cities, but across New South Wales, and was a member of the Organising Committee for the AUSIT National Conference held in Sydney in 2023.
Marion’s sense of global citizenship, interest in the world’s many cultures, and sense of empathy led naturally to humanitarian advocacy. Beyond her interpreting and translation work, she was deeply engaged in the community. A fierce advocate for refugees and asylum seekers, she coordinated Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Grandmothers for Refugees, leading the group on weekly vigils in Newcastle for seven years, and monthly vigils for the past three years – commitment and inspiration that was recognised with an award from the City of Newcastle in 2025.
Marion’s generosity, wisdom and energy touched many lives, and her unexpected departure at the age of just 75 will be a loss not only to the interpreting and translation profession, but to the many organisations that she involved herself in right to the end of her life. While many will sorely miss her energy, enthusiasm and determination, she will leave behind the support and guidance she gave to others, and the legacy of her work for AUSIT and the profession more broadly.
Marion is survived by her children Melanie and Jonathan and two grandchildren.
This tribute to Marion Gevers was compiled from contributions made by Marion’s son Jonathan and daughter Melanie, her colleague Vesna Dragoje, AUSIT NSW Branch Chair Silvia Martinez and ex-Chair Camille Lapierre, and Sue Outram from the Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Grandmothers for Refugees group.
