13/11/2023 - Interpreting and Translating Centre - Department of Human Services

The ITC is a commercial government business unit under DHS, offering interpreting and translation services in over 100 languages for South Aussies with limited English. Most often, these services are needed in medical scenarios, the courts, or generally where life-altering decisions can be made. 

There are currently quite a big shortage of interpreters and translators in some surprising languages, including Greek, Italian and Spanish. 

While one might think it's easy to grab a neighbour or friend to help you during that specialist appointment or with legal negotiations, it's an unwise move when discussing personal matters you don't want others to know about, or where technical terminology might get 'lost in translation'. 

The ITC is hoping to recruit more interpreters - people who have a heart to help their communities, who speak both English and their native language fluently, who may have the time to consider casual employment, and would be willing to get an official qualification to do so.

In this segment, we hear from Olga Laparidis, Director of Concessions and Support Services within the Department of Human Services. The ITC is a commercial government business unit that falls under her directorate. Teo Spiniello who is a contracted interpreter and translator for the ITC. He is fluent in Italian and a NAATI qualified interpreter.