Appendix E

Translation and Interpreting Services

There are a number of interpreting and translating services operating in Melbourne, which can be found in the Yellow Pages, listed under both ‘Interpreters’ and ‘Translators’.

The following interpreting and translating agencies are the main providers to the Department of Human Services and its funded agencies. In certain cases, DHS-funded agencies may be eligible for assistance in the provision of language services for their clients. The language services agencies can generally advise on this, as can regional DHS liaison officers or the DHS Multicultural Strategy Unit. Note: this not an exclusive list.

VITS LanguageLink

VITS LanguageLink provides services by qualified practitioners. These services include:

• Telephone interpreting and multilingual services.


• On-site interpreting.


• Translation services.


• Production of multilingual video and audiovisual material.


• Training and professional development programs.


• Consultancy and marketing.

Phone (03) 9280 1941 for inquiries. Services can generally be provided on a statewide, 24-hour basis.

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)

TIS provides telephone interpreters, on-site interpreters and translators in most community languages. TIS is a Division of the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. TIS provides a fee-free service to assist non- English speaking migrants and refugees who are Australian citizens or permanent residents to communicate with private medical practitioners, community-based, nonprofit, non-government welfare organisations, local government authorities and Parliamentarians for settlement-related purposes.

TIS provides free extract translation into English of settlement related personal documents to migrants with permanent status and refugees under the Humanitarian Program and is available to clients for two years after arrival in Australia or grant of Australian residence. Settlement-related personal documents may include birth and marriage certificates, drivers’ licences, educational and trade/professional qualifications. Caution: TIS assesses eligibility for free services on a case-by-case basis.

DHS has no arrangements in place with TIS to provide assistance to DHS-funded agencies seeking a service. ‘User-pays’ arrangements apply.

For further information, phone 131 450 for bookings or (03) 9235 3651 for queries.
Services can generally be provided on a statewide, 24-hour basis.