Contact us at

• Sydney Office

  Level 8
  175 Castlereagh St
  Sydney NSW 2000

  P.O. Box A2618
  Sydney South NSW 1235

  Tel: (02) 8255 6767
  FAX: (02) 8255 6868
  TTY: (02) 8255 6758
  

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• Interpreting & Translation
  

  Tel: 1300 651 500
  Fax: (02) 8255 6711
  TTY: (02) 8255 6758

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• Newcastle Office
  

  Ground Floor
  Government Office Block
  117 Bull Street
  Newcastle NSW 2300

  Tel: (02) 4929 4191
  Fax: (02) 4929 7369

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• Wollongong Office
  

  Ground Floor, Block D
  State Office Block
  84 Crown Street
  Wollongong NSW 2500

  PO Box 363
  Wollongong NSW 2520

  Tel: (02) 4224 9922
  FAX: (02) 4224 9933

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National Interpreter Symbol

The National Interpreter Symbol is a national public information symbol designed by the Community Relations Commission of NSW and developed in partnership with the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. The symbol provides a simple way of indicating where people with limited English proficiency can ask for language assistance when using government or community services.

You may see the symbol in places that deliver government and community information and services such as public hospitals, police stations, state schools, community centres, housing and employment offices, local councils and migrant resource centres.

What is language assistance?

Using an interpreter is one of a number of ways of helping service providers to communicate with people who have limited English proficiency. Language assistance can also include:

• translated information
• assistance from a bilingual staff member (who has received appropriate training)
• multimedia resources (e.g. a multilingual CD-ROM)
• multilingual information on web sites
• multilingual telephone information.

The appropriate form of language assistance depends on the situation. Many government agencies have language services policies to guide staff in determining when and what type of assistance to provide. Staff should also refer to Using Interpreters – Summary of NSW Government Policy.

Using the symbol

All government service organisations are encouraged to use the symbol and promote it to their members and clients. The Interpreter Symbol in various sizes and configurations is available for download from the symbols page.

Agencies are referred to National Interpreter Symbol – Guidelines for Use