Tuesday, 30 September 2025
On International Translation Day, the NSW Government is delighted to announce a $2 million investment in Multilingual NSW, a program designed to deliver vital interpreting and translation support for communities across the state.
Multilingual NSW will enhance access to high-quality language services through two flagship initiatives:
- Multilingual NSW Academy – focused on raising industry standards through ongoing professional development and expanding the number of credentialled practitioners in high-demand languages.
- Whole-of-Government Translation – providing subsidised translation services to ensure priority programs reach diverse audiences across key customer touchpoints and all media platforms.
This investment underpins the NSW Government’s commitment to breaking down language barriers and ensuring vital information is accessible to everyone in New South Wales.
In the previous financial year, the program:
- Delivered more than 30 professional development courses for interpreters and translators, with more than 4,700 course completions.
- Awarded 248 language scholarships, expanding skills and the pool of qualified practitioners.
- Supported the translation of major NSW Government campaigns on priority issues, including housing, crisis communications, and domestic and family violence, delivered across print, radio, television, social media and factsheets.
Multilingual NSW is a Multicultural NSW program. The $2m investment is funded from the 2025/26 budget.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“It is important that everyone in our state has fair and equitable access to opportunities – whatever their background or wherever they are from.
“This investment is about supporting high-quality language services and making sure we have the right people across the right language groups to support the needs of our diverse state.
“International Translation Day honours the critical role of interpreters and translators. Today’s announcement goes far in that effort, by investing in their professional development to strengthen services for the people of NSW.”
Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta said:
“The funding will help our language services team support NSW agencies to ensure everyone in our state can access the services and information they need in over 100 languages.
“Recently, we’ve provided translation support for major NSW Government campaigns on priority issues such as housing, crisis communications, and domestic and family violence.
“A key learning from COVID is to ensure there are no barriers to translating material during critical weather, health, or safety incidents. As summer approaches, this investment will ensure vital NSW Government information is available in community languages throughout any possible bushfire, storm, or flood event”.
ENDS
About International Translation Day
International Translation Day is a chance to celebrate the essential role of interpreters and translators in connecting people and communities.
The United Nations General Assembly formally recognised this contribution in May 2017, adopting Resolution 71/288, which highlighted the importance of language professionals in fostering peace, understanding and sustainable development. The resolution also proclaimed 30 September as International Translation Day.
This year’s International Translation Day theme, ‘Translation, shaping a future you can trust,’ highlights the vital role of translators in building understanding across languages and cultures. In an age of rapid information and emerging technologies, professional translators ensure accuracy, reliability, and cultural sensitivity. Their work not only strengthens trust between communities and institutions but also helps create a more inclusive future where everyone can participate with confidence.
