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.
Susannah Macready - Treasurer
I'm quite new to the interpreting field, having completed the Diploma of Interpreting at Petersham TAFE in 2005. I'm delighted to be on the ASLIA (NSW) committee and keen to work together with other interpreters to improve the quality, amount and recognition of the work we do in this emerging profession. I work at the Deaf Society of NSW supervising our Deaf learner accredited courses and writing funding submissions.
Nicole Clark - Minute Secretary
My name is Nicole Clark, I have been married for 19 years and my husband and I have 6 beautiful children. I began learning Auslan in the year 2000 at DEN and I gained my accreditation as a Paraprofessional interpreter in 2002. Since then I have enjoyed working in a variety of settings and locations. I love working with regular clients as it allows the interpreter and deaf person to build a solid and successful working relationship. My favourite interpreting settings are religious interpreting, mental health settings and working with children. I am currently working at the Ephpheta Centre as the assistant to the director and interpreter and I also do a little bit of freelance work. I have been an ASLIA member since 2001 and have found the support I receive as and ASLIA member very beneficial.
Anna Nardi - E-Secretary
Hi! I’m Anna and I’m very new to the interpreting field, having recently obtained my NAATI paraprofessional interpreter qualification in February 2010. I successfully completed the Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE Auslan / English) in 2009 at Petersham TAFE. I originally started studying Auslan through DEN in late 2004 after becoming friends with a Deaf colleague in the superannuation company I worked for at the time. I now currently work full time at the Deaf Society of NSW and interpret when I can outside of business hours. I am passionate about both of my jobs and believe education, training, professional (and personal) development are so important for everyone in all aspects of life. I am very excited to be in the ASLIA NSW Committee and am committed to working hard for a good cause!
Linda Finucane - Committee Member
Hi, my name is Linda Finucane and I have been interpreting for the past 13 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 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 being a committee member and the challenges it may bring. I also am looking forward to doing some voluntary work at the Melbourne Deaflympics in 2012. 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
New committee member - bio coming soon.
Natalie Kull - Committee Member
I started signing in 1999 and went on to complete Certificates II, III and IV in Auslan and the Diploma of Interpreting. In 2008 I was NAATI accredited as a Paraprofessional interpreter and also completed 10 months in the John Ferris Internship Program through Deaf Society NSW. From then on I have worked as a freelance interpreter in medical, university, business and theatre/arts settings. Prior to interpreting, I worked at Deaf Education Network as the Program Supervisor of Accredited Auslan Courses.
I joined the ASLIA committee as I felt it was time to give back to the Deaf community and the interpreting profession, both of which have enriched my life. I am excited about being part of a dedicated and passionate team with literally hundreds of shared years of interpreting experience between us! When I am not interpreting or talking about interpreting at ASLIA meetings I can be found hanging with my two daughters, tending to my veggie garden or drinking coffee at a local cafe in the glorious Blue Mountains.
Neil Phipps - Committee Member
I'm Neil Phipps and I'm a NAATI accredited paraprofessional interpreter, having studied Auslan through the DEN certificate courses and finishing with the Diploma Of Interpreting (Petersham TAFE) in 2007. Previous to joining the committee, I have worked in the Interpreting & Advocacy Dept of the Deaf Society NSW, worked on two productions with ATOD, been a volunteer interpreter for the Melbourne Deaflympics in 2005, and completed a B.A at UNSW. I also enjoy travel, word puzzles and eating. Interpreting remains a hearty and enjoyable challenge and ensures that no two days are ever quite the same.
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.