Aboriginal Interpreter Service 25-year milestone event
The Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS) recently marked its 25th anniversary at a special event in Mparntwe, Alice Springs - honouring the important role AIS has played in bridging language gaps across the Northern Territory for a quarter of a century.
The awards ceremony reflected on AIS’s journey and recognised long-term staff members and interpreters who have helped shape the service into what it is today. A highlight was the cutting of the AIS birthday cake by Minister Steve Edgington, alongside respected long-term AIS interpreters Heather Rosas and Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves. Master of Ceremonies Mary Dunn and Jeremiah Baker also brought a special presence to the event.
Keynote speakers included Minister Steve Edgington, Deputy CEO of Housing, Local Government and Community Development Dorrelle Anderson, and Heather Rosas. Each shared powerful, personal reflections about the lasting impact AIS has had in the community and its mission to continue enhancing the lives of both clients and Aboriginal language speakers across the Territory.
Jeremiah Larrwanbuy Baker, Interpreter Support Development Officer, said there was a buzz of excitement in the AIS office during the lead up to the event.
‘Staff spent time reminiscing about special moments with the service and wonderful stories were shared about achievements and funny experiences.’
‘The event itself was a very special moment - I believe it sparked a major step toward reinforcing the importance of preserving the oldest living culture in the world.’
‘Interpreters play such an important role in ensuring understanding between cultures - without use of a common language, effective communication is very difficult.’
AIS helps bridge communication gaps, by providing interpreters from within the community to support Aboriginal people to navigate essential services through the legal, healthcare, and social systems.
If you’re an organisation looking to communicate with a non-English speaking client, you can book an interpreter. Services can be provided on-site, over the phone and through video calls, as well as through scripting and recording.
To learn more about the Aboriginal Interpreter Service, go to the Northern Territory Government website.
