Professor Kathy Laster, Director of Victoria University’s Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, has been appointed Chair of LanguageLoop, Australia’s leading language service provider.

With a network of over 3,000 interpreters speaking 180 languages, LanguageLoop helps bridge the language gap for people accessing critical health, education, government and commercial services, ensuring equal access for Australia’s multicultural communities and non-English speakers.

“I am thrilled to be leading such an important organisation which provides vital services to Australia’s diverse communities, which is more important today than ever,” Professor Laster said.

“COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of effective communication channels with diverse communities, including making information available in community languages and providing interpreter services in health settings.”

Born in Hungary, Professor Laster came to Australia as a child as part of the family reunion program for refugees. She co-authored Interpreters and the Legal System, a key text used in interpreter education in Australia and overseas.

In addition to her academic background, Professor Laster has previously served on the Board of AMES Australia, a migrant and refugee resettlement and education agency.

LanguageLoop’s CEO, Elizabeth Compton, welcomes the incoming Chair, and looks forward to Professor Laster’s contribution to LanguageLoop’s ongoing success.

“Our new Chair, brings a wealth of experience, not just in a legal context but also working with diverse communities and stakeholder groups — a critical skill as we continue adapting our services to meet client demand, especially during this very challenging period of rapid change,” Ms Compton said.

About LanguageLoop
LanguageLoop is Australia’s leading language service provider. With over 40 years’ experience, LanguageLoop’s extensive network of over 3,000 interpreters and translators speak over 180 languages. Trusted by Australia’s state and federal governments and leading brands including AGL, Energy Australia, The Westpac Group, IAG and others, LanguageLoop helps organisations connect with over 500,000 non-English speakers every year, though its extensive range of services including telephone, in-person and on-demand video interpreting, translations, 24/7 multilingual chat bots and other digital language solutions. For more information visit languageloop.com.au