The inaugural ASLIA Victoria Auslan Interpreter of the Year Awards took place in 2007. In only a few years, this annual event has captured the interest of many people and quickly grown in size and status to become our signature event.

The ASLIA Victoria Auslan Interpreter of the Year Awards is an opportunity for interpreters, deaf people and the wider community to recognise and pay tribute to professional and dedicated interpreters, interpreting advocates and organisations that support interpreters. Auslan interpreters are often an unsung group of dedicated professionals who provide communication access for clients with whom they work. The work, professional responsibilities and roles of Auslan interpreters are frequently misunderstood, with work environments at times being demanding and challenging. Interpreters are often so much more than just the people who facilitate communication between parties who do not share the same language – they are often passionate, committed, professional people who are a source of inspiration and support within our important profession.

The Victorian Interpreter of the Year is chosen from the eligible candidates in individual categories. This interpreter’s nomination is then forward to ASLIA National, where nominations from each participating state and territory are considered and one chosen to receive the national Interpreter of the Year Award.

Without doubt, this is Australia’s highest accolade for an outstanding sign language interpreter. 2007 marked the first year of the award program on a national scale, and ASLIA National was delighted to have the opportunity to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements and contributions of sign language interpreters.