Multilingual services

Interpreting services

In person

We provide a free interpreter service for all customers.

When you come to our offices, tell our receptionist what language you speak and ask for an interpreter. We will check if a bilingual staff member is available or telephone an interpreting service to help you communicate with us.

Please phone us first if you would like us to arrange for an interpreter to be present in-person.

By phone

If you are a non-English speaker and need to call us, call 131 450.

You will be asked to:

• State your language
• You will be connected to the TIS National operator.
• Repeat your language
• Wait while the operator connects you to your interrupter

You will be asked to:

• Give your name
• Ask to be connected to The City of Whittlesea
• Provide our phone number 9217 2170

Wait until the operator connects us.

This service is completely free.

Language aides and bilingual staff

Our staff who are bilingual are trained to help you communicate with us in your preferred language, either on the phone or face-to-face at our offices.

These language aides help facilitate prompt communication with our local residents from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Learn English

If you or your family want to learn English, some of our neighbourhood houses offer classes and short courses. For more information, see Neighbourhood houses and community-based learning centres.

Multilingual website

You can read information about the following topics in languages other than English on our website:

• your home and family
• government and laws
• health and safety
• what you need to know about living in the City of Whittlesea

You can also select to view all of the webpages on our website in your language of choice via the Google Translate option.