AUSIT NSW Branch PD Event: The Ethics of Collaboration - Sharing our Knowledge and Tools

Please register by 11:59 PM, 1 October 2026 

Join the NSW Branch for a day of Collaboration, Celebration and Governance

Starting the day with an onsite PD event focusing on the sharing of knowledge and tools and scenario-based discussions of professional ethics, we will then celebrate the achievements of the Student Excellence Award and Translation Award recipients before closing the afternoon with our Annual Branch Meeting (ABM), please note, a separate registration is required for the afternoon program and is for AUSIT members only. For more information, please click here.

The Ethics of Collaboration: Sharing our Knowledge and Tools

9:00       Arrival and registration

9:30       Opening

9:45       AI tools for interpreters and translators

In this session, Dr Sophia Ra, Sina Hajibeigtehrani and Silvia Martinez will share some of the AI tools they have incorporated into their work as interpreters and translators (and into teaching, in Sophia’s case). The objective is to share practical tips with and among participants.

10:15    Scenario-based discussions on professional ethics

Organised in response to members’ demand, Elaine Wu will facilitate an in-depth discussion on different aspects of professional ethics. Participants will discuss various prepared scenarios, but also have the opportunity to discuss ethical challenges faced in their practice. 

12:00    End of paid PD event

(Colleagues staying onsite for the Awards and ABM, please note that you will need to register for this separately. Please see information about lunch options towards the end of this notice)

Meet our Presenters

Dr Sophia Ra is a Sydney-based Korean-English translator and interpreter, working across community and conference settings. She is a full-time lecturer in the Master of Translation and Interpreting Studies at Macquarie University, where she teaches interpreting practice and theory. Her research focuses on healthcare interpreting and interpreter-mediated communication in multicultural Australia. She is particularly interested in the ethical and practical challenges interpreters face, and in promoting language access for linguistically diverse communities.

Sina Hajibeigtehrani is a NAATI Certified Translator (English ↔ Persian) and a Senior Project Manager at Sydney Water. With experience working in both the language services and engineering sectors, he has a particular interest in how AI is transforming professional practice. Sina enjoys exploring practical ways translators can use AI and other digital tools to improve productivity, enhance quality, and support informed decision-making while maintaining the critical role of human expertise and cultural understanding.

Silvia Martinez is a freelance interpreter and translator in Spanish-English, holding NAATI certification as a Certified Specialist Legal Interpreter, Certified Conference Interpreter and Certified Translator. She has learnt a lot about the use of AI tools in our work from other colleagues, and values the opportunities generated within AUSIT to continue doing so. Silvia has been Chair of the NSW Branch since 2025.

Elaine Wu is a NAATI Certified Specialist Health Interpreter in Mandarin-English and also works in Wu Chinese. Apart from her specialisation in health settings, Elaine also interprets in international conferences, business and legal settings. Elaine has been the NSW PD Coordinator since 2024 and will be facilitating our discussions relating to professional ethics.

Venue Information
Macquarie University Wallumattagal Campus (Balaclava Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113)

ROOM: 21WW 2.300 Active Learning Space (21 Wally’s Walk, Macquarie University)

See the university’s website for information on Getting to Macquarie: We strongly recommend the public transport options, but there are also paid parking options on the grounds.  If you come using the Sydney Metro, the Macquarie University station leaves you a short walk away from the venue.

Macquarie University T&I students and faculty staff can register for this event free. Please email admin@ausit.org from your MU email address to request the registration code.

We thank the Macquarie University Translation and Interpreting program for hosting us onsite.

IF STAYING FOR THE AFTERNOON ABM: Please note that campus food outlets will be closed, as the date falls on the semester break. You might like to bring a packed lunch or make your way to Macquarie Centre, a 12 minute walk from our venue. There will be plenty of options at the Centre.

We look forward to seeing you on 3 October!

AUSIT NSW Branch

AUSIT members are able to claim 10 PD points for participating in the ABM. Please refer to the NAATI PD Program to determine which category. PD Certificates will be distributed to confirmed attendees only. This is a live event and WILL NOT be recorded.

Not a member of AUSIT? Join us to benefit from free and discounted PD, access to supplier discounts, support/networking opportunities and more! Click HERE to find out more.