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Honouring Our Newest Interpreters

27 April 2017

The Andrews Labor Government has awarded over $220,000 in scholarships to students taking interpreting studies at RMIT University this year alone.

A total of 98 students received scholarships or bursaries worth up to $4,300 each to become interpreters across 18 different languages.

Over one million Victorians speak a language other than English – that’s about one in five. Interpreters are an essential part in delivering government services to people who require language assistance.

The Interpreter Scholarship Program is a key Andrews Labor Government initiative designed to improve both the supply and quality of translators.

A formal ceremony was held at RMIT University’s Storey Hall today to recognise this year’s scholarship recipients and acknowledge the 43 graduates from the 2016 graduating year who were awarded their National Accreditation Authority for Interpreters and Translators (NAATI) accreditation certificates.

Graduates completed their accreditation in Dari, Hazaragi, Polish, Tamil and Vietnamese.

A further five graduates also received the inaugural Dr Sedat Mulyim Awards for Academic Excellence jointly sponsored by the Labor Government and NAATI.

The Interpreter Scholarship Program is run in partnership with RMIT University.

For more information, please visit multicultural.vic.gov.au/projects-and-initiativesExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott

“All Victorians who aren’t confident communicating in English should have access to quality interpreting services.”

“It’s vital to their contribution and belonging to our state that we assist them when they make big decisions and seek government services.”

“That’s why we need properly trained professional interpreters who will meet the needs of our migrant communities.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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