Newsletter Winter 2014

By ASLIA Vic Committee members Gabriel Kirley and Maxine Buxton May 31, 2014 marked an important historical event for the Auslan Interpreting sector and the Deaf community in Victoria. For the first time ever, ASLIA Victoria and Deaf Victoria combined their annual awards nights into one event to celebrate and recognise some of our unspoken leaders and

achievers; be they interpreters, Deaf community members or organisations. The event was held at CQ Receptions on Queen Street in the Melbourne CBD and was themed: ‘A touch of Red’ - a colour that illustrates the feeling of energy, passion and action within both organisations and those who live and work within this vibrant community. Those in attendance included interpreters, Deaf community members, associated professionals, family, friends and a number of special guests. Greens MP Coleen Hartland was a much welcomed attendee, showing her ongoing support for the Deaf community and Auslan Interpreters following the well remembered ‘Save

Auslan Courses’ campaign in 2012. ASLIA President Paul Heuston was also present along with many committee and board members from ASLIA Vic and Deaf Victoria. We were also pleased that so many of our sponsors and supporters or their representatives could attend on the night.

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In this issue:

Awards 1

NAATI Revalidation 2

Meet the Committee 3

A Day in the Life.. 3

Professionals Australia 4

Got an idea for ASLIA Vic or feedback?

Why don’t you tell us about it at

[email protected]

ASLIA Vic & Deaf Victoria Awards

All ASLIA Vic and Deaf Victoria award recipients (or their representatives) show off their trophies or certificates. Back row L to R: Brent Philips (representing Mark Quinn), Mija Gwyn, Gina Auciello, Medina Sumovic (Auslan

Stage Left and ER Noble), Jinaya Myers, Susan Emerson (Auslan Stage Left), Peter McCormik. Front row L to R: Fiona Goldab (representing Carla Anderson), Simon Glass (representing Jan Branson), John

Pierce Centre Representatives: Katrina Mynard, Rachel Miers, Gail Finn.

Special VIP Guest Greens MP Colleen Hartland (centre) with from L to R: ASLIA President Paul Heuston, ASLIA Victoria President Maxine Buxton, Deaf Victoria Manager Melissa Lowrie, Deaf Victoria President Simon Glass and guest Hamish Christie

ASLIA Victoria & Deaf Victoria Awards The formal proceedings of the night were kicked off by our charismatic MC’s – Andrew Wiltshire and Anna Nardi. Their take on the ‘A touch of Red’ theme as well as their humour and enthusiasm created a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for all. They worked closely

with the interpreters for the night Chevoy Sweeny and Sean Sweeny, and together with the Awards Organising Committee created a seamless and entertaining evening. Following the presentation of awards, guests were served

a variety of canapés and drinks throughout the evening and when not having their photo taken in the ‘Crazy Photo Booth’, were treated to the talents of a roaming magician. The opportunity for guests to mingle and catch up was seized by many with a few even showcasing their dancing prowess- a further source of entertainment! The awards ceremony was appropriately closed by ASLIA Victoria President, Maxine Buxton and Deaf Victoria President, Simon Glass who together highlighted their enthusiasm to continue this successful partnership for many years to come! ASLIA Vic would like to congratulate all award nominees and recipients at this year’s combined event. Recipients are named below: 2013 ASLIA VICTORIA AWARDS Deaf Interpreter Carla Anderson Professional Level Mark Quinn Para-Professional Level Jinaya Myers Interpreter Advocate Gina Auciello Organisation Auslan Stage Left Interpreter of the Year Mark Quinn 2013 DEAF VICTORIA AWARDS Deaf Youth Mija Gwyn Deaf Senior Peter McCormik Deaf Organisation John Pierce Centre E.R. Noble (2012) Jan Branson E.R. Noble (2013) Medina Sumovic ASLIA Victoria and Deaf Victoria would like to jointly express our most sincere thanks to our many sponsors, supporters, volunteers, MCs, guests, those who nominated, judges, interpreters and the fabulous organising committee! An opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our colleagues would not be possible without your generous support.… until next time!

Photos Clockwise from top:

Our MCs Andrew and Anna Our fabulous Awards Organising Committee Emely McCord, Stephen Nicholson, Rachael McQuillan, Gabrielle Hodge The magician wows some of the guests with his powers of illusion Celebrating with Deaf Senior Award Recipient Peter McCormik

Are you up to date on the newest changes to the NAATI revalidation system? You can read a statement from NAATI at:http://www.aslia.com.au/components/com_acymailing/upload/revalidation_information.pdf

In short: - changes have taken effect as at July 1st 2014 - practitioners need to make sure they lodge their application for revalidation 6-8 weeks before their expiry date - the grace period has changed from 6 to 3 months for late applications (although during this time your credentials are 'expired') - audits of revalidation applications have commenced meaning if required you must provide supporting documentation regarding PD and work history - if credentials lapse (i.e. an application is not submitted or is unsuccessful) you will need to either do the NAATI test again or obtain a qualification through a registered course.

Don't be scared- just be informed. Our committee members are always happy to provide support and advice in regards to revalidation applications, so come and chat to us next time you are at a workshop!

ANC14

The ASLIA National Conference will be held in Perth, Western Australia, this year from Friday 29th August till Sunday 31st August. The ANC is the largest gathering of Auslan /English interpreters and allied professionals that is regularly held in Australia. This year’s theme is “A Profession on the Move” and has an exciting range of presentations on offer. We hope to see lots of Victorian interpreters attending. See you there!

In this issue ASLIA Vic explores the life of a Deaf Interpreter and what an ‘average’ day might just entail.

Adrian Doyle kindly gives us an insight into … “A Day in the Life of a Deaf Interpreter”

Normal days begin with me getting up in morning and have quick break-fast. Drop wife to work then park car at station, buy paper then catch train. Meet friend on train and chat to him about the day/weekend.

Arrive at destination and buy cappuccino before entering building, then to my floor level. Greet work colleagues then turn on computer and put yoghurt in fridge in breakout room then back to my seat.

Put mobile next to me – feel vibration sounds on table – SLC asking if I’m available for inter-preting job. Check calendar on mini iPad – all day, morning, afternoon – yep free on that day. Next thing – grovel to my Work Unit manager. Got asked which leave I’m taking for that “job date”. Back to my desk to work it out which leave then report to Work Unit manager.

While working – decide which mode of transport do I take and where do I park my car after the job. And also priorities my workload – easy job – do it to keep numbers up. Hard job – put aside.

Then home and working out which clothing do I wear for interpreting job - my work uniform, interpreting “uniform” or go through the wardrobe and pick it.

Arrive to the appointment – meet up with Auslan interpreter.

Questions asked and answered – I haven’t met you before – Family deaf have ? When finished TAFE – RH or KB or CH ?? Before work with them? No – explain briefly background of cli-ent. Whoops – sorry your name ?? Mine is Adrian – nice to meet you

Caseworker arrives. Briefly informing both interpreters the purpose of visit.

Meet client – Hello you good? Seating arrangement – Auslan you sit there, case worker there, Deaf client there – me sit down – everyone comfortable? Yes - start job.

Asking for expansion of the questions – interpret to client – answers (not sure if correct – ask to repeat) relay the answers.

Job finishes – bye see you soon. Drive back to work – thinking of the job. Client really understood me? How can I improve? What’s the better way to interpret. All DCS going round in my head.

Arrive my workplace – finding car park space – found. Walk to work, finish the “half job” task.

Look at PC digital clock – close programs – pack my things and lastly – my yoghurt. Walk back to car – send SMS to my wife that I’m on way home. Start car – drive off home.

Arrive home – make coffee and chat with wife re my day. Ask wife what’s for dinner – offer to cook dinner. Cut vegetables, chicken onion. Turn on stove – put onion then chicken then vegetables.

Prepare lunch for tomorrow – ham cheese sandwich, carrot, rice crackers and Tim Tam.

Dinner served. After dinner – wash dishes, pans, strainer and plates. Dry them and put away.

Back to lounge room – feet up, wife sitting on floor next to me – brush her hair till she dozes off. Tap on her shoulder – bed time.

Watch tv till 10.30pm then bed.

Know Your Committee

Christine McDougall

Once upon a time Christine was a dental nurse, but after having two children, decided that a career change was needed. But what to do? So, starting with the TAFE and University course book she started at A and got no further than Auslan. At that time it was at Richmond College although the institute underwent a number of name changes while she was there. A constant were the wonderful teachers, Melissa, Anne, Chris, Christine, Julian and Sandi and the in-house interpreter at the time was the awesome Neil Ray. But that was a long time ago [much longer than Christine cares to remember]. Since then she has had the privilege of working in such a fairytale career and meeting so many inspiring Deaf people and co-workers. Along the way she has also been fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to widen her experience of people with disabilities through combining interpreting with the role of Disability Liaison Officer at RMIT. Christine completed the Advanced Diploma of Interpreting at RMIT in 2012 and stepped in to the role of ASLIA Vic treasurer earlier this year, and is hoping to live happily ever after.

JOIN THE ASLIA VIC COMMITTEE

Have you thought about what you can do to give back to your industry? ASLIA Victoria needs people like you to join a committee of dedicated volunteers to support your interpreting colleagues through provision of professional development, member services and project work. It is also a great opportunity to meet interpreting colleagues and develop professional relationships with plenty of fun. Contact the team at [email protected] with your interest in joining this fantastic committee.

A Day in the Life...

On Thursday the 10th of July, Professionals Australia held a joint roadshow with ASLIA Victoria and AUSIT Vic/Tas at the John Pierce Centre.

The session was originally to be held at Vicdeaf but, due to water damage, it was moved to JPC at short notice. ASLIA, ASLIA Victoria, AUSIT and PA worked together to get the message out to all who had sent through an RSVP and indeed all state members of both ASLIA and AUSIT, however some members could not attend at the new venue. Despite this, over 30 Interpreters and Translators attended the session. The majority were spoken language interpreters with only a few Auslan/English interpreters - most of whom were ASLIA Vic committee members. It was disappointing that so few Auslan/English Interpreters were in attendance at such a crucial event. ASLIA Vic President Maxine Buxton, AUSIT Vic/Tas Chair Meredith Bartlett and Professionals Australia Victorian Director Bede Payne facilitated the session. Also in attendance was ASLIA President Paul Heuston. The purpose of the session was to explore future possibilities with Professionals Australia, ASLIA and AUSIT. It is widely known and understood that in many ways the Interpreting and Translating industry in Australia lags behind that of some comparative countries. Wages, conditions and general recognition for our work has been largely misunderstood and under appreciated by the general public, the government and those that negotiate contracts which involve T&Is. Without the union support and representation that many other professional groups enjoy, T&Is have been left behind, leading to the fragmentation of our industry, the loss of many great practitioners; and, in many cases, sub-standard wages, conditions and service to those communities with the most need. Bede from Professionals Australia gave an update on where PA sees our industry and what joining PA might do for our members. PA have been working with both ASLIA and AUSIT at a national level for the better part of two years, discussing key concerns and ideas for a formal partnership. In addition, many existing ASLIA/AUSIT members and other practitioners across Australia have

made the decision to join PA. From PA's perspective this shows there is some willingness amongst T&Is working in Australia to commit to working together for change, which is promising. The bottom line is, however, without a critical mass of T&Is as PA members, the union is unable to continue providing support and representation for the industry as a whole. The question is, do ASLIA and AUSIT enter into a formal agreement with PA? Should there be one joint membership? Would this mean that one can only join ASLIA or AUSIT with PA membership? WHAT DID THE PARTICIPANTS SAY? All in all, attendees were in agreement about the need for change. The discussion moved from the hypothetical "if" of a partnership/joint membership towards the more concrete "how" and "when". Those in attendance understood the positives of a joint PA/ASLIA/AUSIT membership; an increased level of member services, better representation and negotiation for T&Is Australia wide, member benefits from PA, a strong united voice for T&Is, as well as some administrative and back-end support for the ASLIA/AUSIT national and state branches which would, for the most part, continue "business as usual".

The increased level of services and union representation for members would of course mean increased membership fees. Current membership of PA starts at $192 for first year graduates and follows a sliding scale depending on annual income. More information can be found at: https://professionalsaustralia.org.au/join/ This may seem like a significant increase from the current annual $100 ASLIA membership fee, however it is important to remember that, as stated above, a joint PA/ASLIA membership would yield many more benefits. In addition to this, when the PA target of 150-200 T&I members per state (or 750-1,000 nationally) is reached, we can be assured that our issues on a larger scale will be addressed by a union that truly understands our needs and challenges.

SO WHERE TO FROM HERE? To make a decision on any future membership proposals, we need your in-put! We encourage you to read as widely as possible on the subject and come to an informed decision about what you want from your professional association. Come to future information sessions! Take part in future surveys from ASLIA and attend the ASLIA Vic AGM to make your voice heard! Check out the Professionals Australia website and read the 'A case for change' and 'Lost in translation' reports: http://professionalsaustralia.org.au/groups/translators-and-interpreters/home/ Speak to other members and your colleagues about the future of our industry. This is a watershed moment in the Translating and Interpreting field. We have a chance to bring about change in our industry with your support. But only with your support.

RENEW YOUR

MEMBERSHIP TODAY!

Membership renewal is 1 July of each year so please visit www.aslia.com.au to renew your membership today. Benefits of membership include: reduced rates to attend professional development sessions run by ASLIA Vic and other state branches, access to members only resources on the ASLIA Vic website, opportunity to apply for financial assistance to attend professional development or assistance with study costs, voting rights at the annual general meeting and opportunity to be part of an integral association, regular newsletters and e-newsletters with updates about the industry and opportunities and staying connected with your colleagues!

UPCOMING PD 2014 SEPT 15 Beyond Best Practice

How can we work together for more than best practice? Join colleagues, agencies and stakeholders in this great opportunity to discuss our current industry practices.

OCT 12 Mock Conference

This workshop will give interpreters an opportunity to practice their conference interpreting skills in a safe and supportive environment

NOV 22 Video Relay Interpreting

As technology evolves, the way we work evolves too. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to refresh, learn new skills, strategies and protocols.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Do you have an idea for a Professional Development workshop in 2015? Now is your chance to share it with the committee. Each year the committee gather to discuss and develop a professional development calendar and would love to hear your ideas. We want to provide workshops that members want, and that means you have to tell us what that is!