Language Services Australia

Language Services Australia (LSA) is MultiLink’s flagship social enterprise initiative, providing up to 200 accredited interpreters, translators and language support workers in over 80 world languages.

Previously MultiLink had traded effectively and passionately since 2003 as MultiLink Interpreting Services, maintaining high regard with our customers and staff, as well as making an effective integration with MultiLink Community Services. However today we are known as Language Services Australia still community based but with a strong focus on customer service. As a Community Service, any money that is made through LSA is fed back through the organisation to assist in funding some of our other projects and programs

Our interpreting services began in 2003 when MultiLink provided interest free loans to a small group of migrants to achieve their accreditation as Interpreters.

From humble beginnings, we now engages over 200 interpreters to provide professional and reliable telephone, on-site Interpreting and Translating services at competitive rates to a range of organisations and individuals. LSA provides interpreting and translating services for over 80 languages and dialects, with this number increasing all the time. We proudly have a reputation for integrity, personalised service and an ethical approach to how we manage our customer relationships and the business of doing business. We build relationships with our clients to ensure we are continuing to meet their needs. LSA Provides:

  • On – site interpreting
  • Telephone Interpreting
  • Translations

Our customers include some major hospitals in Queensland, Courts, solicitors, employment agencies, schools and other businesses across many domains and government and non-government agencies, as well as individuals seeking a personalised, ethical and professional language service.

Our interpreters and translators are skilled and experienced and, in languages where it is available, are accredited with the national accreditation authority for interpreters and translators (NAATI). Our interpreters are professionals who abide by a code of ethics prescribed by The Australian Institute of Interpreters and translators (AUSIT).

Why Choose Language Services Australia?

We try to match your requirements with the most suitably qualified and experienced translator from our pool of translators. Our translators are nationally accredited, and are experienced in their specialist language to ensure the accuracy and context of your information is maintained. This ensures the highest customer service lacking with many computer based systems. We save you money with our quick quotes, turnaround and competitive rates.

Translating Services

We provide translations for a wide range of languages from the more common Spanish, French, Arabic & Chinese to the more less frequently used Burmese, Amharic, Indonesian & Turkish.

What is translating?

A translation is a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language. Some examples of the materials we have translated include the following:

  • Drivers license
  • Legal contracts
  • Birth, death or marriage certificate
  • Affidavits
  • Case studies
  • Academic records
  • Brochures
  • Fact sheets
  • Enrolment applications
  • Letters and correspondence

The original document may be in English and need to be translated to a language other than English. Likewise, the original document may need to be translated into English. If you have something you need translated you can simply telephone or email our staff who can talk with you about your needs.

Interpreting Services

We interpret for organisations both not for profit and government and individuals. LSA assist with:

  • Meetings and events, including training and inductions
  • Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting
  • Medical appointments
  • Court cases
  • Employment interviews
  • Case sensitive issues

What is interpreting?

Interpreting happens whenever two people or two groups of people do not share a common language but need to or want to communicate with each other in order to conduct business or share information and ideas. When people who are Deaf (and who use sign language) and people who are not Deaf (and who use a spoken language) want or need to talk to one another, that’s when interpreters do their work.

Interpreters must understand the meanings and intentions expressed in one language (the source language) and then express those meanings and intentions in the other language (the target language). In order to do this, interpreters have to have a high level of fluency in each language. Interpreters also have to follow a professional Code of Conduct; one of its most important tenets is to maintain confidentiality. This means keeping private whatever happens in the interactions that are interpreted. Interpreters code of conduct sets guidelines pertaining to issues such as professional conduct, confidentiality, competence, impartiality and the important role of continuing professional development.

On-site interpreting

On-site interpreting occurs when an interpreter attends a venue nominated by the client. It is then that they usually work side by side with the individual or group of individuals who have a need to communicate with an individual or a group of individuals who do not speak their language.

On-site interpreting might be conducted in a client’s home, court room, at a doctor’s office, at a business meeting, an information session or during a police interview for example.

Telephone interpreting

Telephone interpreting is conducted when an interpreter is linked via a telephone to two or more people who do not share a common language. The telephone interpreter’s role is to ensure that the parties for whom he or she is interpreting can communicate effectively and efficiently.

It can be used to link individuals, or groups of individuals, who are located in remote or isolated locations, or when time might be of the essence or there is no interpreter for that language available where they are. For example, a telephone interpreter may be required when a critically injured patient who does not speak English attends a medical appointment and there is no on site interpreter available for that language or that day and staff need to communicate with the patient regarding his or her medical or treatment needs.

Should you need assistance or have any other questions you need answered, please call us on 07 3808 4463 and one of our friendly staff will be able to assist you further.

Act now. Break the cycle.

Open Doors is an educational resource for the C.A.L.D. community in Queensland, supported by MultiLink Community Services Inc., the Queensland Police Service, Neighbourhood Watch Queensland, Access Community Services Ltd and the Queensland Government.

BOOKINGS

We take bookings at least 1 business week prior to the appointment taking place but we understand that sometimes you may require an interpreter urgently and we will try our best to source someone for you. Contact us to learn about our Schedule Of Fees, conditions and availability; or simply receive a booking form.

For more information or to make a booking please contact us on 07 3808 4463 or send an email to Interpreting@multilink.org.au.