Gibson Desert Area Council is committed to ensuring all community members can access our services, regardless of the language they speak. We provide free translation and interpreting services to help you communicate with council.
Translation & Interpreting Services
Free Interpreters Available
If you need an interpreter when visiting council or speaking with council staff, we can arrange one for you at NO COST.
How to request an interpreter:
- Call our main number: (08) 8950 0500
- Say the name of your language in English (e.g., "Arabic", "Mandarin", "Vietnamese")
- An interpreter will join the call within minutes
- Tell us how we can help you
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
24/7 Phone Interpreting
Council uses TIS National for immediate telephone interpreting in over 160 languages.
To speak with Council in your language:
Call TIS National: 131 450
Tell the operator:
- Which language you need
- That you want to speak to Gibson Desert Area Council
- The number is: (08) 8950 0500
The interpreter will connect you with council and translate the conversation in real-time.
Available languages include:
- Arabic
- Cantonese
- Dari
- Filipino (Tagalog)
- Greek
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Karen
- Khmer
- Korean
- Mandarin
- Nepali
- Persian (Farsi)
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- Russian
- Samoan
- Serbian
- Sinhalese
- Spanish
- Swahili
- Tamil
- Thai
- Turkish
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
- And 130+ more
Indigenous Languages
Aboriginal Language Support
Gibson Desert is home to speakers of many Aboriginal languages. Council provides language support for:
Arrernte
The traditional language of the Gibson Desert region
Warlpiri
Spoken by many residents from Central Desert communities
Pitjantjatjara
Western Desert language spoken across regions
Luritja
Western Desert language group
Anmatyerre
Traditional language north of Gibson Desert
Kaytetye
Language of the Barrow Creek region
Aboriginal Interpreter Service
Council employs Aboriginal Interpreter-Translators who can assist with:
- Face-to-face interpreting at council offices
- Translating council documents and notices
- Cultural liaison and support
- Community consultations and meetings
- Assistance with council forms and applications
To request an Aboriginal interpreter:
Phone: (08) 8950 0500
Email: community@astc.nt.gov.au
Please provide 2-3 business days notice for face-to-face interpreting appointments.
Document Translation
Translated Council Information
Available Translated Documents
Key council information is available in translated formats:
- Waste & Recycling Guide: Available in 12 languages
- Rates Notice Information: Translated explanation sheets
- Council Services Brochure: Overview in 15 languages
- Emergency Information: Bushfire, flood safety in multiple languages
- Community Programs: Youth, arts, environmental programs information
Languages Available
Translated documents are currently available in:
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
- Filipino (Tagalog)
- Greek
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Korean
- Nepali
- Persian (Farsi)
- Spanish
- Thai
- Vietnamese
- Arrernte (Indigenous)
Download Translated Documents
Visit our website to download fact sheets and guides in your language, or request printed copies:
Custom Translation Requests
Need a council document translated that's not currently available in your language?
- Contact us with your request
- We'll arrange professional translation
- Documents typically ready within 5-10 business days
- FREE for all community members
In-Person Interpreter Services
Face-to-Face Interpreting
For important meetings or complex matters, we can arrange an in-person interpreter to attend with you at council.
When to Request In-Person Interpreter
- Planning and development applications
- Council meetings or public hearings
- Complex service requests or complaints
- Legal or compliance matters
- Community consultations
- Signing important documents
How to Book
- Contact council at least 3 business days before your appointment
- Tell us which language you need
- Specify the date, time, and purpose of your visit
- We'll arrange a qualified interpreter to attend
- Receive confirmation via phone or email
Booking Details
Phone: (08) 8950 0500
Email: interpreters@astc.nt.gov.au
Notice Required: Minimum 3 business days
Cost: FREE for all council services
Interpreter Code of Conduct
All interpreters used by council are:
- NAATI certified (nationally accredited)
- Bound by strict confidentiality
- Impartial and professional
- Experienced in council/government settings
- Cultural awareness trained
Language Classes & Programs
Learn Languages in Gibson Desert
English Language Classes
English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Beginner Level: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6-8pm
- Intermediate Level: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-8pm
- Advanced Level: Wednesdays & Fridays, 6-8pm
- Conversation Classes: Saturdays, 10am-12pm
- Cost: $50 per term (10 weeks) - concessions available
- Location: Central Community Hall
Specialized English Programs:
- English for Employment: Job-seeking language skills
- Citizenship Test Preparation: FREE workshops monthly
- English for Parents: School communication skills
- Digital Literacy in English: Technology and English combined
Indigenous Language Classes
Arrernte Language Classes
- When: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00pm
- Who: Open to all community members
- Cost: FREE
- Teachers: Arrernte language speakers and elders
- Learn: Basic greetings, conversation, cultural context
Community Language Programs
Council supports community groups offering language classes:
- Mandarin Chinese classes
- Spanish conversation groups
- Italian cultural language
- Greek language and culture
- Contact us for current schedules
Multicultural Support Services
Settlement Support
Help for new arrivals settling in Gibson Desert
- Housing assistance
- School enrollment support
- Healthcare navigation
- Community connections
Cultural Liaison
Cultural support and community connection
- Cultural orientation
- Festival celebrations
- Community group support
- Cultural awareness
Document Help
Assistance with official documents and forms
- Council form completion
- Document explanation
- Application assistance
- Referrals to services
Multicultural Events
Celebrating cultural diversity
- Harmony Day (March 21)
- Refugee Week (June)
- Cultural festivals
- Food and music events
Quick Reference Guide
| Service | How to Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Interpreting (TIS) | Call 131 450, ask for council | FREE |
| In-Person Interpreter | Book 3 days ahead: (08) 8950 0500 | FREE |
| Aboriginal Interpreter | Email: community@astc.nt.gov.au | FREE |
| Document Translation | Request via email or phone | FREE |
| ESL Classes | Enrol at Central Community Hall | $50/term |
| Arrernte Language | Wednesdays 5:30pm | FREE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is interpreting really free?
Yes, all interpreting services for council business are completely free. This includes phone interpreting, in-person interpreters, and document translation.
How much notice do I need to give for an interpreter?
Phone interpreting is available immediately. For face-to-face interpreters, we need at least 3 business days notice to arrange a qualified interpreter in your language.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, all interpreters are bound by strict confidentiality requirements. They cannot share any information from your conversation with anyone else.
Can I bring my own family member to interpret?
While you're welcome to bring family, we recommend using a professional interpreter for important matters. This ensures accurate translation and protects your privacy, especially for sensitive issues.
What if my language is not listed?
TIS National provides interpreters for over 160 languages. If you speak a less common language, they can still usually arrange an interpreter - it may just take a little longer to connect.
Can interpreters help with council forms?
Yes, interpreters can help explain forms and translate your responses. You can also request assistance from our multicultural support team to help complete council forms.
Contact Language Services
Multicultural Services Coordinator
Gibson Desert Area Council
Phone: (08) 8950 0500
Email: multicultural@astc.nt.gov.au
For Immediate Interpreter (Phone):
TIS National: 131 450
Available 24/7 in 160+ languages
Aboriginal Interpreters:
Email: community@astc.nt.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8950 0500
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Need Help in Your Language?
We're here to help - no matter what language you speak
Call TIS National on 131 450 to speak with us in your language
Common Greetings in Gibson Desert Languages
Arrernte
Werte (Hello)
Warlpiri
Yuwayi (Yes/Hello)
Pitjantjatjara
Palya (Hello)
Mandarin
你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
Arabic
مرحبا (Marhaba)
Vietnamese
Xin chào