Speeches
Monday, 22 June 2026
Reception to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Interpreting and Translating Centre
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House.
It is a great pleasure to celebrate this evening with all of you, the interpreters, translators, staff and supporters who together have made the Interpreting and Translating Centre what it is today: a vital institution in the life of South Australia.
As Governor, I have the privilege of engaging with South Australians from diverse backgrounds, and I am struck, time and again, by a simple truth.
Language is not merely a tool for communication, it is the gateway through which people access their rights, exercise their civic responsibilities, seek help in moments of need, and participate fully in the life of our community.
As a career diplomat, I know from deep experience the vital importance of good translation and interpretation — not merely in conveying words, but in conveying meaning, nuance, intent and trust.
I have had the privilege of observing UN-accredited interpreters at work during the course of international discussions and multilateral negotiations, and I have always held their craft in the highest regard.
It is, fundamentally, a challenging and demanding thing to do with skill and precision under pressure, often in complex and highly sensitive settings where clarity of communication can have profound consequences for the individuals involved.
Friends,
South Australia's rich cultural and linguistic diversity is a source of genuine strength.
For fifty years, the Interpreting and Translating Centre has played a significant role in fostering inclusion, social cohesion and mutual understanding, from health and education settings to the justice system and beyond.
I am particularly heartened by the establishment in 2021 of the Aboriginal Language Interpreting Service within the Centre, in partnership with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Supporting communication in Aboriginal languages is not only a matter of improving access to essential services.
It’s an act of respect that contributes meaningfully to our shared reconciliation journey and to Closing the Gap.
I also congratulate the Centre on its well-deserved Public Sector Award at the 2025 Governor's Multicultural Awards, a recognition that reflects the importance of its contribution and the exceptional service delivered by its people.
As South Australia evolves, and as the role of technology in our lives continues to grow, I am confident that the Centre will remain agile and responsive.
You embody the human qualities of trust, cultural understanding and care that no algorithm can replicate.
Congratulations to the Interpreting and Translating Centre on reaching its 50th anniversary.
I wish you all the best for the future as you continue to ensure that language is never a barrier to belonging in South Australia.