The Territory Labor Government is investing in the Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS), with a recruitment campaign underway to boost the casual interpreter workforce.
The AIS helps to alleviate the language barriers faced by Aboriginal Territorians who do not speak English as a first language. The service provides face-to-face, telephone and audio-visual interpreting services, as well as recorded and produced messaging in most of the widely spoken Aboriginal languages in the NT.
AIS recruits and professionally develops a workforce of Aboriginal language interpreters in various urban, regional and remote locations across the NT and Cross Borders (NPY and APY Lands).
Interpreters are utilised in a range of settings, such as medical, police interviews, in court, in negotiating with housing services and at Centrelink. They also have a presence at community events, such as Barunga Festival, NAIDOC Week, Garma, Gurindji Freedom Festival and the NT show circuit.
To find out about becoming an Aboriginal interpreter or to know more about the Aboriginal Interpreter Service call 1800 334 944 or online at ais.nt.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo:
“The Aboriginal Interpreter Service provides a vital service helping Aboriginal Territorians who do not speak English as their first language to be supported to interact effectively with government and non-government services.
“Interpreters create bridges in our diverse community, and it is exciting to support the AIS to boost numbers by offering excellent employment opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians.”
Quotes attributable to AIS interpreters:
“The best part about my job is helping my people.” – Riccardo Sambono
“I’ve been working for AIS for about maybe six or seven years now to help out my mob.” – Tyrone Holmes
“We do lots of work in different areas like education, health, and community meetings.” – Janet Turner
Northern Territory Government
