THE ASLIA (NSW) COMMITTEE
ASLIA (NSW) is managed by an elected committee. All positions are filled in a voluntary capacity.
Chevoy Sweeney - President
Hi my name is Chevoy and I am very new to the role of president for ASLIA NSW. I have been an interpreter for 18 years and I absolutely love my job - there is never a dull day! My interested in sign language was piqued from living next door to a Deaf family in Qld -so from a young age I was exposed to Auslan and started to teach myself signs from about the age of 10. I am a big believer in professional development for interpreters and think the ASLIA has a responsibility in supporting interpreters in this. It is great to be part of an association that works to raise the profile of interpreting in Australia. On a personal note, I am married (to an interpreter), have 2 kids and 2 step kids, love cooking, hate housework, am learning to run and believe that music makes that world go round!
Kathy Wright - Vice President
I am NAATI accredited at Interpreter level and I am currently employed as the Coordinator of the Auslan Interpreting Service at the Deaf Society of NSW. Both my children were born Deaf and I have many Deaf cousins. I’ve been signing for about 31 years, which makes my life in the Deaf Community quite a long one now! I worked as a teacher’s aide interpreter for 13 years and also as a freelance interpreter for many years. I was the Manager of the Auslan Interpreting Service at Deaf Education Network for 5 years, and worked in Melbourne as the In House Interpreter from June 2004 to March 2005 and Interpreting Coordinator during January 2005 at the 2005 Deaflympics.
Joe Wasuruj - Treasurer
My name is Joe Wasuruj. I studied Auslan through both DEN and TAFE, completed the Diploma of Interpreting and gained NAATI paraprofessional accreditation in 2012. I am excited to embark on a career that I am passionate about and to be part of the ASLIA NSW committee. In my free time, I engage in volunteer activities, read widely, practise yoga and plan trips to exotic destinations.
Katie Joynton-Smith - Minute Secretary
My name is Katie Joynton-Smith. I began learning Auslan in 2007 through the Deaf Education Network (DEN ) completing Certificates II, III, IV and Diploma of Auslan. I completed the Diploma of Interpreting at Petersham TAFE in 2011 and gained my accredited as a Paraprofessional interpreter. I recently completed the John Ferris Interpreting Internship Program through Deaf Society NSW. The support and encouragement I have received, and continue to receive, from my colleagues during my infancy as an interpreter is invaluable to my growth and development in this field. I am excited to give back to the profession by joining the ASLIA (NSW) committee. When I’m not interpreting, I can be found spending time with my family, friends, fiancé (who is Deaf) or hanging upside down from a pole – purely for exercise.
Linda Finucane - E-Secretary
Hi, my name is Linda Finucane and I have been interpreting for the past 14 years. I have completed the Diploma of Interpreting at Petersham in 1999 and Postgraduate diploma in Auslan/English interpreting at Macquarie University in 2010. Recently, in 2011.I was accredited in the Professional level and also completed TAE10 Certificate IV Training and Assessment at Meadowbank TAFE. I interpret in a variety of settings and I get enjoyment in my work. I look forward to the challenge with my role of E-Secretary brings. My memberships include ASLIA NSW, WASLI and AUSIT. My hobbies include eating, movies and spending time with my faithful friend, my dog.
Sharon Hislop - Committee Member
Hi, I came to the interpreting field relatively recently completing the Diploma of Interpreting in 2007 and gaining NAATI paraprofessional accreditation. I work for TAFE NSW as a Teacher Consultant for Students who are Deaf/Hearing Impaired which brings me into contact with the Deaf community and Auslan interpreters on a daily basis. I enjoy the challenges of ensuring that students receive the most appropriate support and that interpreters are encouraged in their work and their professional development. I am enjoying being part of the ASLIA NSW committee and contributing to the development of the profession in NSW.
Sean Sweeney - Committee Member
My name is Sean Sweeney, I'm a Para professional interpreter. I love to encourage fellow interpreters to receive on going professional development. This is healthy for the industry and the Deaf community.
I'm married to an interpreter and have 2 children and 2 step children. I became an interpreter in 2001 after many years of convincing by my sister (interpreter). My Parents are Deaf and I have many family members who are also Deaf including my step son. I'm very passionate about the language (Auslan) and cultural aspect of the community. I eat breath speak interpreting.
I want to be able to help fellow terps achieve their goal by giving them the right support. I'm very fortunate to come home every day and debrief with my wife who is an awesome interpreter.
My vision is to bring everyone together and support as many interpreters to become confident and professional, and really enjoy their career.
I believe that ASLIA NSW is the vehicle to help you achieve your goals as an Interpreter.
So come with me and enjoy this incredible journey.
I’M HERE FOR YOU.