Interpreting services
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.
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.
Multilingual telephone information
Residents can call our multilingual telephone lines to hear pre-recorded information about council services including:
- rates
- garbage/waste and recycling services
- community care for the aged
- disability services
- child maternal health service
- libraries in the municipality that have multilingual reading collections
These information lines can connect you to an interpreter if you need more information about our services. Call the following numbers:
Arabic - 9679 9871
Greek - 9679 9873
Hindi - 9679 9879
Italian - 9679 9874
Macedonian - 9679 9875
Mandarin - 9679 9857
Punjabi - 9679 9879
Tamil - 9679 9879
Turkish - 9679 9877
Vietnamese - 9679 9878
Other languages - 9679 9879