Who do you call if you need a complicated pamphlet translated into Vietnamese?
Or when somebody whose first language is Dari or Spanish or Pitjantjatjara needs to understand an important conversation with their accountant, lawyer or doctor?
The answer, if you’re a South Australian, is the Department of Human Services’ Interpreting and Translating Centre, which for more than half a century has provided invaluable assistance to people of diverse backgrounds, helping them access healthcare, legal and other essential services while supporting their connection with government departments.
More than just a language service, its professional interpreters and translators also provide guidance and support, often when clients are at their most vulnerable.
And now the Centre’s work has been recognised through the presentation of the Public Sector Award at the 2025 Governor's Multicultural Awards.
DHS Chief Executive Sandy Pitcher (pictured) said she was enormously proud of the Centre’s work and its longevity.
"I celebrated my 50th birthday with the service, so I can appreciate just how long it’s been around," she said laughing.
"But it means that for five decades South Australians have cared and found value in making sure that we’re an inclusive community.
"Interpreting and translation is about being inclusive and making sure everyone can participate in being South Australian. That’s why we’re so proud of the service."
Ms Pitcher said the Centre used the skills of a mix of volunteer and paid workers to handle around 70,000 assignments every year.
"We have up to 360 people doing translating and interpreting at any one time, and we can tap in to so many parts of the community," she said.
"People come to the service when they have a real need … it’s interpreting, it’s translating and it’s also, I think, support and connection.
"That is the responsibility of the people doing the interpreting, and that’s why we see it as a professional service, whether it’s court, medical or anything else."
Ms Pitcher said she couldn’t wait to share the award with the Centre’s team.
"And I’m thinking too of all the people who have worked at the service of the past 50 years, because that is a growing army of people in South Australia," she said.
"This award is for a lot of people."
For a full list of the 2025 Governor's Multicultural Awards winners, click here.
To find out more about the Centre visit the website (external site).
