The Northern Territory is this week celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS).
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steve Edgington will today attend a celebration event at the Double Tree by Hilton Alice Springs to mark the milestone.
“Since it was established by the Northern Territory Government in 2000, AIS has provided crucial services for people who do not speak English as a first language to understand health, housing and legal services,” said Mr Edgington.
“Interpreters are there in courtrooms, hospitals, call centres and other key services, making sure people understand and are understood.
“Their work is essential, and we thank them for it, especially in our CLP Government’s year of action, certainty, and security.”
During its 25-year history, AIS has grown to about 60 ongoing staff and over 230 contracted interpreters providing a service across 39 Aboriginal languages.
“It is the only fully accredited Aboriginal interpreter service in the Territory and is the first government-run interpreter service in Australia, providing meaningful employment for hundreds of Aboriginal Territorians,” said Mr Edgington.
“Interpreter roles create economic independence, build cultural pride and offer long-term employment pathways.”
Thursday’s celebration will honour the top 20 longest serving interpreters, including Heather Rosas, from Tennant Creek, and to celebrate interpreters like Della Pearce, who is based in Alice Springs.
Ms Pearce, who speaks Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjara, said: “I enjoy helping my people and building relationships with fellow interpreters and making lifetime friends.”
As well as providing an interpreter service, AIS has contributed to many strategic partnerships and projects over the years, including the Menzies School of Health Research and more recently with NT Police.
“We are committed to empowering Aboriginal communities and people and interpretation is crucial to effective two-way communication,” said Mr Edgington.
If you’re a language speaker and interested in becoming part of the next 25 years of AIS, visit the AIS website.
