Interpreters and Translators Medal, Sponsored by NAATI
For Neena Sinha, community service is not just a duty—it is a lifelong passion. A NAATI Certified Hindi Translator and Interpreter, Neena has spent over four decades helping migrants and refugees navigate their new lives in Australia.
In 2024, Neena was honored at the International Translation Day celebrations at NSW Parliament House for her 40 years of dedicated service. Her journey began in the late 1970s when she moved to Australia from Delhi, India. Motivated by a deep desire to support her community, she initiated Hindi and English language classes for migrants, helping them adapt to ‘Australian English’ and easing their settlement process.
Neena’s commitment to community service extends beyond language assistance. She is one of the founding members of the Indian Women’s Social and Cultural Organisation and serves as Chair of the Immigrant Women Speak Out Association. Her voluntary work has been instrumental in empowering migrant and refugee women.
“I still get up and think about what good thing I can do each day. This keeps me going,” Neena shared. “Helping people settle into a new country is incredibly rewarding. I’ve supported women from diverse backgrounds, from the Middle East to Europe, who often face cultural shocks upon arrival in Australia.”
Her work as an interpreter and translator for Multicultural NSW has also been immensely fulfilling, particularly her contributions to NSW Courts. “Ensuring people receive a fair go in legal matters is crucial,” Neena said. “There are sensitive issues, like domestic violence, where cultural misunderstandings can arise. Many women are unaware of their rights or afraid to speak up.”
While interpreters are required to remain impartial, Neena highlights the importance of cultural understanding in legal settings. “Magistrates, judges, and lawyers may not always grasp the cultural nuances behind a case. As interpreters, we are sometimes given the opportunity to explain these norms, ensuring that justice is truly served.”
For Neena, being recognized with the 2025 Interpreters and Translators Medal is a humbling experience. “It’s a great honor to receive this award. I have always done this work for the pleasure and satisfaction it brings. Looking back over the past 40 years, I feel immense fulfillment knowing I made a difference.”
Neena Sinha’s unwavering dedication to her community and profession has left an indelible mark. Her work has not only helped individuals navigate their new lives but has also strengthened multicultural understanding within Australian society. For her outstanding contributions, she is truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
