Translating and interpreting (TIS)

The Translating and Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS National), provided by the Department of Home Affairs, helps people who need support communicating in English, as well as agencies and businesses that need to communicate with customers who speak other languages. 

TIS National provides:

• Immediate phone interpreting
• Pre-booked phone interpreting
• On-site interpreting

To speak to a Council officer about Council services, visit an Inner West Council service centre. Tel staff who you want to speak to and your preferred language, and they will arrange a TIS interpreter for you. 

You can also use the service off-site, by following these steps: 

1. Call TIS National on 131 450
2. Follow the automated prompt and say the language you need.   
3. When you are connected to a TIS National operator, say the language you need again.
4. Stay on the line while the operator connects you to an available interpreter.
5. You will be asked to provide:
   • You name
   • The name of the organisation you need to contact
   • The phone number of the organisation you need to contact
6. Stay on the line while the operator connects you and the interpreter to the organisation. 

This is a FREE service.

For more information on the services provided, see the TIS National website.