ASLITA National Conference
From Coast to Country: Creating Ripples, Making Waves
AND YOUR 2026 ORATOR IS….
It is with great pleasure that the ASLITA Board of Directors can now reveal the successful nomination of
Julie Judd
as our 2026 John W Flynn Orator.
Throughout Julie’s career of over 35 years, she has defined herself as a staunch ally of the Deaf community, and a consistent advocate for not only the visibility and recognition of interpreting work, but also the provision of training and professional development. She has worked across a vast array of settings: grassroots, live theatre, media and emergency services, and has represented the country internationally at UN ESCAP events. She has achieved CCI level from NAATI, worked as a NAATI test examiner, and more recently, become a CCI test creator herself. She was part of the ASLIA VicTas executive committee as both VP and President, and was the Chair of the National Board 2016 – 2021.
The John W Flynn Oration is an ASLITA initiative, named in honour of an interpreter and experienced welfare worker, who was instrumental in establishing NAATI accreditation and training systems for Auslan/English interpreters. Since its inception in 1996, the J W Flynn Oration has been delivered by many well-respected and influential interpreters, advocates and consumers of interpreting services, and interpreter trainers throughout Australia.
Warmest congratulations to Julie!
The J W Flynn Oration will be part of the opening night of ANC, Friday 9th October, being held on the traditional lands of the Wadawarung people at Nyaal Banyul, Geelong. We very much look forward to seeing you all there.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION – JW FLYNN ORATION
The John W Flynn Oration is an ASLITA initiative, named in honour of an interpreter and welfare worker of many years’ experience, who was instrumental in establishing NAATI accreditation and training systems for Auslan interpreters. In 1977, NAATI was established, and in April 1979, it was mooted sign language interpreters be considered for accreditation, with Mr John W Flynn a driving force behind the proposal.
After several exchanges, John was successful in securing a meeting with NAATI in October 1981, submitting a strong case arguing the legitimacy of Australian Sign Language as a language, and the need for practitioners working in the deafness sector to be accredited to perform the task of interpreting. NAATI accepted the proposal with John becoming a member of the NAATI Board, and Chairman of the very first panel established to assess sign language interpreting candidates. On the 22nd November 1982, the initial NAATI test was conducted in Melbourne. Since that time, NAATI accreditation has become commonplace, with over 1,100 Auslan interpreters currently accredited. In addition to his role regarding NAATI accreditation of Auslan interpreters, John was pivotal in the push to establish a training course for sign language interpreters in Victoria in the mid to late 1980’s. He was a forerunner in the provision of theatre interpreting and is the author of several articles and a book about the history of the Victorian Deaf Society and interpreting services in Australia.
The Oration carries its name in recognition of John’s pioneering work in the field. Following his inaugural oration in 1996, many well-respected and influential practitioners of interpreting, consumers of interpreting services, interpreter educators and researchers have delivered the JW Flynn Oration. Describing the personal and professional journeys of the individuals concerned, the Oration also recognises the orators as pioneers in various ways, as very strong ambassadors of sign language interpreters and contributors to the professionalisation of the interpreting field.
On past occasions, the Oration has been delivered by:
1996 John W Flynn (VIC) presented in Hobart, TAS
2000 Marianne Bridge (VIC) presented in Sydney, NSW
2002 Peter Bonser (QLD, formerly NSW) presented in Melbourne, VIC
2003 Harry Blackmore (WA) presented in Sydney, NSW
2004 Amanda Dolejsi (ACT) presented in Launceston, TAS
2005 Andrew Wiltshire (NSW) presented in Cairns, QLD
2006 Jemina Napier (NSW) presented in Perth, WA
2007 Karen Bontempo (WA) presented in Sydney, NSW
2008 Patricia Levitzke-Gray (WA) presented in Darwin, NT
2009 Della Goswell (NSW) presented in Melbourne, VIC
2010 Merie Spring (QLD) presented in Brisbane, QLD
2011 Maree Madden (QLD) presented in Sydney, NSW
Those delivering the Oration are selected by the ASLITA Board Executive, and are confirmed in consultation with the state committee hosting the ASLITA National Conference, where possible and appropriate.
ASLITA will meet all direct costs associated with the orator’s attendance at, and participation in, the ASLITA National Conference. In 2026, the ASLITA National Conference will be held in Geelong, VIC, on the 9th – 11th October.
Create ripples. Make Waves.