Interpreters

Council has an interpreter service that can help you with face-to-face language support.

Interpreters can work with you to communicate with government, community groups or private businesses. This can be for things like casework, community consultations, conferences or meetings.

Bookings

Bookings must be made online. Requests are processed during office hours, which are shown at the bottom of this page.

Follow the steps below to book. You should also read the terms and conditions on this page and our COVID-19 safety guidelines before you book.

1. Register for Online Services

Before you can book, you will need to log in or register in Council's Online Services system.

Please note, a new booking system was launched on 23 May 2022.

If you had an account before that date, your previous login will no longer work. You will need to re-register by creating an account in our new system: choose the Don't have an account? link to get started.

If you need help, call us on (02) 4227 7650 during the booking office hours shown on this page.

2. Sign in and book

Please provide three working days' (72 hours) notice for all bookings.

To book:

Use the button below to log in to our Online Services portal
Select Lodge an Application, then Community and Cultural Services and Interpreter Services.

Please note: when booking, you may see a screen which shows $0.00 fees and charges apply. Fees will be calculated at a later date, and an invoice will be sent to you.

Cancellations

Cancellations must be made online. You cannot cancel over the phone.

To cancel a booking

Use the button below to log in to our Online Services
Click the Forms tab.
Look for the form called Cancel Interpreter Services and click the button Fill out.
In the Select Application Number field, select the booking you want to cancel.
Enter details for the cancellation, then click the Submit button.

There is no cost if you cancel more than 24 hours before your booking. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your booking, you will need to pay the full cost.

If you need help, call us on (02) 4227 7650 during the booking office hours shown on this page.

About our interpreter service

Interpreters accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) are available for these languages:

Arabic
Bosnian
Croatian
Farsi (Persian)
Greek
Hindi
Indonesian
Italian
Macedonian
Persian
Polish
Portugese
Serbian
Spanish
Thai
Urdu
Vietnamese.

Language support workers are also available for the languages below. Please note that language support workers are not NAATI accredited.

Arabic
Burmese (Myanmar)
Chi Chewa
French
Greek
Italian
Karenni (Kayah)
Kinyarwanda
Kirundi
Korean (South)
Kurdish
Mandarin
Russian
Swahili
Turkish
Ukranian.

Bookings and enquiries are only processed during our booking office hours:

Monday 9am – 12pm
Wednesday 2 – 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm.

If you have a question, call (02) 4227 7650 or email the booking office.

Our Service employs Interpreters and Language Support Workers (LSWs).

Interpreters have professional credentials and usually have NAATI accreditation or equivalent.

Our LSWs do not hold formal qualifications. They are not used for legal interpreting. LSWs provide an option if no qualified Interpreter is available. This is often the case for some of new and emerging languages.

The fees below include separate rates for Interpreters and LSWs. Where different rates are shown for the same item, the lower fee is for a LSW, and the higher fee is for a qualified Interpreter.

If you have a question or need to confirm fees, please contact us on (02) 4227 7650 or email the booking office.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 items

Parent HierachyArea	Fee NameFee Name	GSTGST	Current Fee (incl. GST)Current Fee (incl. GST)
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service	Fee NameMinimum 1 1/2 hour session	GSTY	Current Fee$198.00
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service	Fee NameFull Day (up to 7 hours)	GSTY	Current Fee$690.00
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service	Fee NameEvery 1/4 hour after	GSTY	Current Fee$35.50
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service	Fee NameMinimum 1 1/2 hour session - Language Support Worker	GSTY	Current Fee$177.00
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service	Fee NameFull Day (up to 7 hours)	GSTY	Current Fee$625.00
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service	Fee NameEvery 1/4 hour after	GSTY	Current Fee$32.00
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service \| Charge For Mileage For Out Of Local Government Area Sessions	Fee NameUnder 2.5 ltr vehicle - per klm	GSTY	Current Fee$0.80
Parent HierachyCommunity Programs \| Wollongong Interpreter Service \| Charge For Mileage For Out Of Local Government Area Sessions	Fee Name2.5 ltr and over vehicle - per klm	GSTY	Current Fee$0.90

These are the rules that apply for interpreter bookings:

The minimum booking per session is 1.5 hours. If a booking goes over time, then fees are charged in blocks of 15 minutes.
You must pay a travel cost if the interpreter has to travel outside the Wollongong City Council area. See the Fees section of this page for current travel charges.
Our Interpreters and Language Support Workers are committed to best practice industry standards. This includes being neutral, accurate, and confidential. Their role is to provide interpreted information. They do not enter into discussion, give advice, express opinions or sign any documents other than the booking confirmation form. If you want the interpreter to sign any documents, you must tell the booking officer and send a copy of the document you would like signed when you make the booking.
All cancellations must be made online. You cannot cancel by phone or email. See the ‘How to cancel a booking’ section on this page for details.
An agency representative and the interpreter must both sign a form at the end of each session. This is called the ‘Confirmation of Engagement Services form’. It confirms that the booking was completed, and how long it took. You will be sent a copy of this form when your booking is confirmed. The signed form must be scanned or photographed and emailed to our Interpreter Service team.
If you book an interpreter to visit your home, they must be accompanied by a staff member from the booking agency.

If you have questions or don’t understand these conditions, call us on (02) 4227 7650 during Booking Office hours.

You can also read the policy our interpreters and language support workers follow below:

Ausit Code of Ethics

Please also read our COVID-19 safety guidelines before booking or using our interpreter service.

It can be good to use the same interpreter for multiple bookings so you can build a good working relationship.
When hiring an interpreter, be sensitive to cultural and religious preferences, as well as varieties and dialects of some languages.
Allow time before the interview to meet with the interpreter and talk about the booking. If there are any special terms to be used (eg medical or legal) ask them if they understand it.
Try to have a private area prepared for the session.
Arrange seating in a triangular or circular form to allow for easy communication.
Speak in the first person and speak directly to the person/client and not the interpreter.
Make sure the interpreter is clear that they are never to answer questions on your behalf.
Allow the interpreter to clarify information if necessary.
Use clear, simple language and short sentences.
Avoid using jargon, slang, idioms or proverbs.
If the person needs another appointment, make arrangements with them while the interpreter is still there.

We’re always looking for more interpreters and language support workers to join our team.

Use the links below to read the job description and apply for the position you're interested in:

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