Media release | Translators honoured for 40 years of dedicated service
Friday 13 February 2026
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper has praised the service of four translators and interpreters who have each reached 40 years of service at Multicultural NSW.
In a ceremony at NSW Parliament House this week, Minister Kamper said translators and interpreters were frontline workers when it came to the success of multiculturalism.
Multicultural NSW employs more than 1,000 interpreters and translators.
They provide telephone, face-to-face and video interpreting services, as well as translation services to NSW Government, non-government agencies and the public.
In 2025, the Multicultural NSW Language Services team delivered more than 76,000 language assignments in 97 languages and dialects.
The translators and interpreters who have reached the 40 years of service milestone are:
Shirley Zantis: Shirley has worked as a Greek interpreter since 1985 and says her career has given her the opportunity to meet and assist many people in the Greek community. She finds the deep gratitude expressed for her work to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.
Alexandra van der Wiel: Alexandra van der Wiel is a Spanish interpreter and translator who came to Australia from Uruguay. Alexandra’s love for the Spanish language and desire to support people, often during some of the most challenging moments of their lives, has motivated her 40+ year career as an interpreter and translator.
Banu Baran: Banu Baran became a Turkish interpreter for the then-named Ethnic Affairs Commission (now Multicultural NSW) at the age of 22, while also working as a Turkish Community Development Worker at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Banu says that her career in interpreting has taught her patience, empathy, and the importance of really listening – not just to words, but to tone, body language, and what’s left unsaid.
Mandarin interpreter (name withheld on request): This talented Mandarin interpreter grew up in China and arrived in Australia as an English language student. Two years later, they began working for the Department of Education as a bilingual support officer, which was how they first became aware of interpreting and translation services. They believe that community interpreting and translation services play a crucial role in providing equal opportunities for individuals with language barriers.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“The success of our multicultural society would simply not be possible without a workforce of dedicated translators and interpreters.
“I congratulate the four translators and interpreters who have spent their careers smoothing the way for migrants who come to NSW, helping them to feel valued, understood and at home.”
Multicultural NSW Acting CEO James Jegasothy said:
“Providing high quality translation and interpreting services is a core priority for Multicultural NSW.
“Language must never be a barrier to participation, and our skilled translator and interpreter workforce plays a critical role in ensuring everyone can access services, information and opportunities equally.”
MEDIA: William Verity | Multicultural NSW | 0422 904 408
