Community Partners Program (CPP)

TheCzech Way

Information Kit

2012

Information Kit

Community Partners Program (CPP)The purpose of this information kit is to provide professionals working with people of Czechoslovakian background with practical, up-to-date, accurate information, while its main aim is to assist both the worker and the client. Most problems encountered in daily life are due to miscommunication and we hope that this short guide will facilitate between the various service providers and the 46,510 strong eastern European communities in Queensland.Steering clear of stereotypes, we hope to have dispelled some common myths and misconception. We believe that the information provided within this kit will give you an overview of the Czechoslovakian history, customs and various resources which should form a basis for developing better relationships with your clients.Please also remember that, just like in any other ethnic group, each Czech person is an individual and what might be appropriate for one will not be for another. The best line of action is to always ask questions of the person concerned to find out why they do what they do.We hope you find this information kit useful, your feedback and comments are always welcome.

Table of Contents

1. Czech Republic at a Glance

2. Migration Trends

3. Demographics

4. Culture and Customs

5. Language

6. Religion and Tradition

7. Food and Diet

8. Attitudes to Aged Care

9. Working with Interpreters and Bi-lingual Staff

10. Key Issues for the Czech Community

11. Resource Guide

Czech Republic at a Glance Background

Community Partners Program (CPP)History: Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Location: Central Europe

Languages: Czech is a West Slavic language with about 12 million native speakers; it is the majority language in the Czech Republic and spoken by Czechs worldwide. The language was known as Bohemian in English until the late 19th century. Czech is similar to and mutually intelligible with Slovak and, to a lesser extent, to Polish and Sorbian.

Area: With a total area of almost 79,000 square kilometres, the Czech Republic is a medium-sized European country. Its size is comparable to Austria and Ireland and would fit into France seven times.

Population: 10.5 million (2009)

Capital: Prague; population 1.2 million.

National Holidays:

Date Holiday Remarks1 January Restoration day of the

Independent Czech State; New Year’s Day

The independent Czech Republic was created in 1993, after dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

March, April

Easter Monday Easter is celebrated for two days (Sunday and Monday) in the Czech Republic

1 May Labour Day8 May Liberation Day 1945, the end of the European

part of World War II5 July Saint Cyril and Methodius Day In 863, Church teachers St. Cyril

(Constantine) and Metoděj (Methodius) came from the Balkans to Great Moravia to propagate Christian faith and

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literacy.6 July Jan Hus day The religious reformer Jan Hus

was burned at the stake in 1415.28 September

St. Wenceslas day (Czech Statehood Day)

In 935, St. Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, now patron of the Czech State, was murdered by his brother.

28 October

Independent Czechoslovak State Day

Creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

17 November

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

Commemorating the student demonstration against Nazi occupation in 1939, and the demonstration in 1989 that started the Velvet Revolution.

24 December

Christmas Eve Christmas is celebrated during the evening of the 24th.

25 December

Christmas Day

26 December

St. Stephen's Day (Czech: "The Second Christmas Day")

Neighbours: Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria

Climate: Temperate. Cool to warm May - September (showers and thunderstorms common), mostly chilly October, March and April (rain or snow possible), cold, cloudy and wet with snow and freezing temperatures November - February; skiing December – March.

Natural Recourses: Of the former communist countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic has one of the most developed and industrialized economies. Its strong industrial tradition dates to the 19th century, when Bohemia and Moravia were the industrial heartland of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Czech Republic has a well-educated population and a well-developed infrastructure. The country's strategic location in Europe, low-cost structure, and skilled work force has attracted strong inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). This investment is rapidly modernizing its industrial base and increasing productivity.

The principal industries are motor vehicles, machine-building, iron and steel production, metalworking, chemicals, electronics, transportation equipment, textiles, glass, brewing, china, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. The main agricultural products are sugar beets, fodder roots, potatoes, wheat, and hops. As a small, open economy in the heart of Europe, economic growth is strongly influenced by demand for Czech exports and flows of foreign direct investment.

Ethnic Groups: Ethnic groups: Czech (94% or 9.6 million); Slovak (193,000); Roma (200,000); Silesian (11,000); Polish (52,000); German (39,000); Ukrainian (22,000); and Vietnamese (40,000).

Community Partners Program (CPP)Religions: Major denominations and their estimated percentage populations are Roman Catholic (39%) and Protestant (3%). A large percentage of the Czech population claim to be atheists (40%), and 16% describe themselves as uncertain. The Jewish community numbers a few thousand today; a synagogue in Prague memorializes the names of more than 80,000 Czechoslovak Jews who perished in World War II

Famous people: Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884) The father of genetics and the law of heredity – Mendel’s Laws. Antonín Dvorák (1841-1904) Neo-Romantic composer and head of Prague Conservatory. Ema Destinnová (1878-1930) A great Czech soprano and patriot, also known as Emmy Destinn. Milos Forman (born 1932) A film director Milos Forman is considered one of the most significant film directors in the world today. He received the Oscars for his films One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Amadeus. He also directed a film version of the musical Hair. Martina Navratilova (born 1956) is the one of the most successful representative together with Ivan Lendl (born 1960). She has won Wimbledon nine times and in total she has won 164 titles from international tournaments.

Migration TrendsThe first Czech to visit Australia was Bohemia-born Tadeáš Haenke, a botanist, physician, chemist and geographer who sailed with the Spanish navy on the way to South America on a spying and scientific mission. The mission landed in Sydney in 1793 and stayed for one month.A few Czechs found their way to Australia during the 19th century and some worked in the goldfields.In the 1930s, economic crisis and Nazi occupation of Bohemia and Monrovia resulted in several hundred Czechs, including Czech Jews, arriving in Australia.

Community Partners Program (CPP)The first wave of migration from Czechoslovakia occurred after 1948 when Czechoslovakia was made a satellite state of the Soviet Union, leading to the departure of large numbers of political refugees. By 1954, there were 12 680 Czechoslovakia-born, most of whom were Czech.The second wave occurred after 1968 following the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia, with 6000 immigrating to Australia.Since the democratisation of Czechoslovakia in 1989 and its dissolution into separate Czech and Slovak republics in 1993, there has been little migration of Czechs to Australia. There were 7000 Czech Republic-born people in Australia at the 2001 Census, making up 0.2 per cent of the overseas-born population.

Czech Migration in Queensland

At the 2001 Census, 1,091 residents recorded Czech Republic as their birthplace. At the 2006 Census, there has been a 6.9% increase to 1,166

AGE 0-44 45-59 60-69 70-79 80+Brisbane North 33 25 19 15 3Brisbane South 69 77 28 25 10Logan 26 17 5

Czech Population distribution in Brisbane (ABS Census 2006)

DemographicsThe latest Census in 2006 recorded 7180Czech Republic-born people in Australia,an increase of 2.5 per cent from the 2001Census. The 2006 distribution by state andterritory showed New South Wales had the largest number with 2880 followed by Victoria (1720), Queensland (1170) and South Australia (550).

The median age of the Czech Republic-born in 2006 was 55.0 years compared with 46.8years for all overseas-born and 37.1 years for the total Australian population. So this is an ageing population.

There are 21,000 Czech descendants living in Australia mainly in Melbourne and Sydney.

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Culture and Customs

Czechs, as a group, tend to share thoughts and ideas freely and are very friendly. A guest in a home is warmly welcomed and may be overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity. Most Czechs enjoy a robust conversation and have a keen sense of humour. They prize forward thinking; they are logical practical and efficient. They talk of their jobs, politics, health problems and misfortunes as an Australian would of football or cricket. Careful planning, in both one’s business and personal life, provides a sense of security. Rules and regulations allow people to know what are expected and to plan their life accordingly. They are very fond of music and joke telling. Folklore plays a key role in preserving the culture. Life experiences are translated into verse, poetic songs, melodies, fairy tales, symbolic rituals, music, dance, costumes, and jewellery. Folksongs and poems often attest to the sentiment and regard between family members.

Touch as a form of caring is common among family members and friends, but Czechs may be quite formal and reserved. Once you develop a personal relationship Czechs open up a bit, but they are never overly emotional. Although always polite, they seldom move to a first-name basis with people outside their extended family or very close friends. Czechs tend not to acknowledge people whom they do not know as they walk along the street or ride the train. In formal situations a handshake is considered polite. For some, alcohol can serve a culturally important function, particularly during social occasions, such as name day or birthday celebrations.

The family is still the basis of the social structure. The extended family is the norm and relatives remain quite close with both the mother and the father’s sides. The family provides its members with a social network and assistance in times of need. Even though it is becoming increasingly common for the nuclear family to have its own house, Czechs will take in elderly parents rather than send them to a nursing home. Weekends are considered family time. Few will allow business concerns to interfere with this important part of their lives.

Meeting and Greeting

Initial greetings are formal and reserved. Most greetings include a handshake, direct eye contact, and the appropriate greeting for the time of day. Wait to be invited before using someone's first name or an informal greeting, as these are all signs of friendship. The offer to move to the informal is generally offered by the woman, the older person, or the person of higher status. Moving to the informal without an invitation insults the person and may be viewed as an attempt to humiliate them.

Language

Community Partners Program (CPP)Useful words and phrases:

English CzechGood morning Dobré jitroGood afternoon Dobré odpoledneGood evening Dobrý vecerGoodbye Na shledanouYes AnoNo NePlease ProsímThanks DekujiWhat is your name? Jak se jmenujete?How much is it? Kolik to stojí?Please to meet you Teší mne, že Vás poznávámSee you later Na shledanouSorry ProminteExcuse me ProminteCan you help me please? Mužete mi pomoci?I am trying to learn Czech Snažím se ucit cesky

Religion and Tradition

Special Days

Easter

Easter in Czech Republic is known by the traditional name of 'Velikonoce'. Decoration of Easter eggs is one of the popular traditions associated with the celebration of the festival in Czech Republic. Hand-painted or decorated eggs (kraslice) are the most recognizable symbol of Easter in the European nation. Different materials including bee's wax, straw, watercolours, onion peels, stickers are used to decorate the eggs.

Czechs eat a type of coffee bread called 'Babovka'. 'Mazanec' is another special Easter food, which is a yeast-raised cake filled with almonds, raisins and citron. A cross is cut into the top of the cake, just before it goes into the oven. Easter gingerbread, Easter Ram Cake, Judas Cake, 'God’s Mercy' (a type of doughnut sprinkled with sugar) are some of the traditional recipes.

Christmas

For many, December 24 (Štědrý den) is the most enjoyable day of Christmas holidays. Its Czech name literally means "Generous Day", probably for the wealth of food that has traditionally

Community Partners Program (CPP)been served for Christmas dinner. Even poor families would make sure that their plates were full on this one day of the year.

Christmas Dinner is served after sunset (traditionally, it should not be served until after the first star has come out) and consists of carp and potato salad, sometimes preceded by mushroom, sauerkraut or fish soup. Did you know that carp can supposedly be prepared a hundred different ways? Christmas carp is specially raised in manmade ponds and then sold from large tubs placed on the streets and town squares a few days before Christmas. Some families keep their carp in the bathtub for several days as a temporary pet for their children Dinner can be finished with dessert, such as apple strudel. A traditional Christmas bread called vánočka (similar to the Jewish Challa) used to be a part of the Christmas dinner in the past but today it has largely lost its Christmas connotation and is available year around.

Vánočka, Czech Christmas bread

Christmas Presents: After dinner, everyone around the table may sing Christmas carols before moving to the Christmas tree, which is all lit up and beautiful. Czech children believe that Christmas gifts are brought by Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) who comes into the room through the window to leave the presents. The lounge room is vacated (as Baby Jesus works in privacy); the children going to their rooms to wait while parents quickly place presents under the Christmas tree. The ringing of a bell announces that Baby Jesus has left so everyone comes back to find their presents. Unlike Santa Claus, Baby Jesus is a rather abstract figure with no particular physical image attached to him, and no one knows where he lives. Just like Santa though, he receives wish-list letters from Czech children a few weeks before Christmas.

New Year

New Year is called “SILVESTR”. A big dinner is prepared and family and friends are invited to eat and drink together till midnight, then the countdown begins for the start of the New Year. The New Year is greeted with a toast of champagne or sect. All the quests then kiss and hug wishing each other a “happy new year”.

Special Days

6th December – St Nicholas Day

Community Partners Program (CPP)Name Day – varies according to person’s name and position on the traditional calendar.

Mother’s Day and individual birthdays are specially noted.

Food and Diet

It is important to note that the meal times differ from the Australian. Breakfast often consists of bread and savouries (ham soft boiled eggs, cheese, cottage cheese) rather than toast and cereals. Czech people are usually not in a habit of eating vegemite or peanut butter.

Lunch is the main meal of the day 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and it is usually a cooked meal; Supper can be cold or warm, and it is less substantial than lunch. Supper is usually light and whatever is left over from lunch can be used as well.

For Czechs, soup is a starter e.g. chicken soup with noodles and vegetables, garlic soup with fried bread, potato soup with mushrooms or beef soup with liver dumplings, which is commonly served on Czech wedding feasts.

The main course usually consists of meat and a side dish. Most dishes are pork, or beef, mainly served with some kind of sauce. The most popular is chicken, but fresh-water fish (especially carp – traditionally served on Christmas Eve, and trout), or duck are common, too.

Potatoes are very popular as a side dish, served in various ways – boiled, roasted, mashed, fried, small potato balls called croquettes and so on. Dumplings are the most common side dish in traditional Czech cuisine. There are two types of dumplings – bread or potato dumplings made of either wheat or potato flour that is boiled as a roll of dough, then cut into slices.

There’s a sweet version of dumplings, called Ovocne knedliky in Czech, meaning fruits dumpling. They can be filled with strawberries, blueberries, apricots or plums served with chocolate or sweet cottage.

To name some traditional Czech main dishes – Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut; Fruit filled dumplings; Svickova – which is pork meat with dumplings and gravy, topped off with cranberry jam and cream; Chicken fried in breadcrumbs which is similar to a wiener schnitzel, usually served with boiled potatoes.

Beef, chicken and pork are strongly preferred over lamb dishes. Curries and hot foods are generally not popular.

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Widely popular condiments are mustard, horseradish, grated cooked beetroot with or without horseradish in preference to tomato sauce and chutneys.

Pumpkin, raw mushrooms, sprouts and Asian greens are not widely used. Neither are vegemite, salted butter, peanut butter, pies, rice. Crusty continental rye bread is preferred over soft Australian sliced bread.

Smazeny syr (breadcrumbed cheese or fried cheese in English) is without any doubt the most famous meatless food in the Czech Republic (fruit filled dumplings are number two). One of the most popular Czech desserts is palacinka – a pancake – they are thin and come in several variations involving fruits, jams, cinnamon with sugar, chocolate sauce and others.

The above food preferences are to be regarded as a guideline only, and it is always advisable to ask about personal preferences. As it is the case in most communities, Czechs have varied tastes, likes and dislikes, and one must not assume that they are an homogenous group.

Czechs say before any meal: “Dobrou chut!” which can be translated as: “I wish you to enjoy your meal!”

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Attitudes to Aged Care

Role of the family in Caring for the Elderly

The elderly person generally prefers to stay at home rather than to be admitted into the Age Care Facility. It is expected that family will care for their parents and relatives at home for as long as possible. Extended family ties are especially strong. The elderly are respected and the role of the male as the head of the family tends to be a dominant one.

Attitude Towards Residential Aged Care

The elderly do not readily accept being admitted into residential care. Generally, this is the option considered only as the last resort. However those Czechs who lived in Australia for a long time have come to accept these services more readily than new arrivals. They respond with appreciation to carers making genuine efforts to overcome the feelings of dependency and isolation.

Attitudes Towards Illness and Hospitalisation

Hospitalisation, although feared is an acceptable form of intervention. Respecting the needs for privacy is an important factor that must be taken into account by service providers. A clear description of illness, the probable outcome and the treatment is most appreciated.Elderly people who speak little or no English may suffer frustration, as they do not understand what is going on around them and/or why. Family will generally try to ‘protect’ them by keeping them in the dark as to the true nature of their illness. This is why it is recommended for the staff to use a qualified interpreter when it comes to discussing an important issue with the resident.

Dying and Burial Rituals

Depend on the religion of the individual

Roman Catholic

Traditionally a twenty-four hour vigil is held at the bedside of the dying person. The priest is generally invited to pray with the relatives and anoint the dying person. The deceased is bather and dressed in clothes selected by the family. The rosary is recited in the church or funeral parlour, depending on where the body of the deceased is located. Mass is held prior to the burial and prayers are said at the gravesite. Following the funeral friends and family are invited to the family home of the deceased for light refreshments. Mourners wear black clothes for forty days, but in some cases for a year or for life. Many Czechs that were born overseas wish to be buried in their homeland. Visits to cemeteries are very important to older people especially on the ‘Day of the Deceased”, when a bunch of chrysanthemums are usually taken to the graves.

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Working with Interpreters and Bi-lingual StaffAlthough people with moderate English skills may appear to understand discussions, use of professional interpreters to communicate complex information is advisable. For many professionals the need to work with interpreters may seem awkward and time consuming, but effective use of interpreting services leads to successful communication. The role of bilingual staff is distinctly different from that of an interpreter or translator. The fact that a worker speaks Czech does not mean that he/she is able to accurately convey messages of complex nature between clients and service providers. Although very valuable on a daily basis, the language assistance of a bilingual worker should be limited to simple matters, in order to avoid possible misunderstandings and complications of a legal nature.

Service providers are encouraged to deal only with accredited interpreters and translators. The national Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) tests and accredits translators and interpreters, at different levels and in most languages. These professionals may work in interpreting and translating assignments as independent (freelance) specialists, or under contract to a commercial or government agency.

Work of translators and Interpreters is codified by the AUSIT Code of Ethics which obliges members to:

Respect their clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality; Decline to undertake work beyond their competence or accreditation levels; Decline to mix promotional activity for clients with interpreting work; Maintain professional detachment, impartiality and objectivity.

Information shared in interpreting and translating assignments is strictly confidential. Disclosure of information may be permissible with clients’ agreement or when disclosure is mandated by law. Interpreters are required to observe impartiality in all professional contracts disclose any possible conflict of interest and take all reasonable care to be accurate. Interpreters and translators are not responsible for what clients say or write they cannot voice an opinion, solicited or unsolicited, on any matter or person in relation to an assignment. For example, it is wrong to ask of an interpreter: “Does this person seem depressed to you?” because this kind of assessment would be outside of their area of expertise. In order to ensure the same access to all that is said by all parties involved in a meeting, interpreters relay accurately and completely everything that is said. They convey the whole message, including derogatory or vulgar remarks as well as non-verbal clues and they cannot alter, make additions to, or omit anything from their assigned work. In general, interpreters are not allowed to accept gifts and tips. However, some discretionary latitude may be exercised in accepting a gift such as a small box of chocolates as a token of gratitude.

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Key Issues for the Czech CommunityMost Czech people in Australia lead a very fulfilling life. Many can speak English, work, study or enjoy their retirement and feel part of the Australian fabric. While maintaining strong links with the Czech community in Australia and their families in In the Czech Republics, they feel that Australia is their home. The elderly of Czech background however, have a range of un-met needs. Service needs of the Czech community have increased dramatically in recent years as it is one of the most rapidly ageing of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

Research and statistical information to date indicate a very low level of usage of support services such as Home and Community Care (HACC) services by Czech people.

Czech Community-Specific Issues

Fear of authority and reluctance to seek assistance until crisis point is reached; Cases of social isolation and limited English; Service system disorientation; Refusal to accept help due to cultural expectations that the family’s role is to

provide the necessary support; Refusal to accept help from outsiders; Experiencing embarrassment or even shame of having to deal with one’s personal

problems in public.

Many Czech elderly can speak and understand English. However, some of them cannot read or write English and may have problems with filling out forms. Some of those who say that they can speak English can often understand and respond to simple sentences and situations and are able to express their needs in a limited manner.

Key Issues for Service Providers

The need for appropriate dementia care support services for the elderly and their carers.

The need for in-home support services that are culturally and linguistically relevant to potential Czech consumers.

More strategic focus on the primary importance of carers. Work on the eradication of under-utilisation of mainstream services, such as HACC

and Residential Care. The need for culturally appropriate grief and death counselling.

Resource Guide

Community Partners Program (CPP)Czechoslovakia Club In Queensland25 Upfield StreetBurbank QLD 4156(07) 3343 3489

Additional Resources:Useful Websites

Cross Cultural Health Program (USA)www.xculture.org/resources/order/index.cfm?Category=Articles

Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health – Video Cataloguehttp://www.ceh.org.au/video_catalogue.htm

Alzheimer’s Australia NSWwww.alzheimers.org.au

Queensland health – Multicultural Health Publicationswww.health.qld.gov.au/publications/restopicmaster.asp?Rec=40&frmHealthTopic=MulticulturalHealth

Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centrewww.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc/multilingual_resources.asp

Cancer Foundationhttp://www.cancerindex.org/clinks13.htm

Nutrition Australiawww.nutritionaustralia.org

Free interpreting services

The Australian Government, through TIS National, provides free interpreting services to non-English speaking Australian citizens and permanent residents communicating with the following approved groups and individuals:

private medical practitioners providing Medicare-rebate able services and their reception staff to arrange appointments and provide results of medical tests

non-profit, non-government, community-based organisations for case work and emergency services where the organisation does not receive funding to provide these servicesNote: Organisations that require language services (such as interpreting) and receive

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government funding should incorporate the cost of these services into their application for funding

Members of Parliament for constituency purposes

local government authorities to communicate with non-English speaking residents on issues such as rates, garbage collection and urban services

Trade unions to respond to members' enquiries or requests

Emergency Management Australia

Pharmacies for the purpose of dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medications.

Non-profit, non-government, community-based organisations can apply for a fee exemption for calls through TIS National. Please download and complete the Application for exemption from TIS charges form. Applications should be faxed to the attention of the on-site supervisor.See: Application for exemption from TIS charges (67KB PDF file)Fax: 1300 654 151

If you have questions about your eligibility for free interpreting, please contact the Client Liaison and Promotions team.Telephone: 1300 655 820Email: tispromo@immi.gov.au

Free document translation service

The Australian Government also provides a free document translation service through TIS National, for people settling permanently in Australia. Permanent settlers are able to have their personal documents translated into English during their initial two year settlement period. Returning Australian citizens may also be eligible for the free translation service within two years of returning to Australia to settle permanently.Detailed information about the free document translation service is available online. See: Help with Translations

Doctors Priority Line

The Doctors Priority Line is a free telephone interpreting service which helps medical practitioners to communicate with their non-English speaking patients.

General practitioners and specialists can use the Doctors Priority Line when providing services that are:

claimable under Medicare

delivered in private practices

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provided to non-English speakers who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

The Doctors Priority Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Doctors who are not currently registered for the Doctors Priority Line can arrange access to the service with TIS National by filling out an online registration form.See: Medical Practitioners Free Interpreting Registration Form

The form is also available to download as a PDF file which can be faxed or posted as per instructions on the form.See: Medical Practitioners Request Form for TIS National Client Code ( 41KB PDF file)

Telephone interpreting service for pharmacies

Free interpreting services are available to pharmacies for the purpose of dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medications. This scheme is aimed at assisting pharmacists to communicate with people about the proper use of medications.

To date more than 1200 pharmacies have registered for use of the service.

Lists of the pharmacies in Queensland that have registered for the use of the service are available.See: QLD registered pharmacies ( 96KB PDF file)Note: The lists of pharmacies that have registered for these services are not an Australian Government endorsement (either implied or otherwise) of these businesses. Please refer to the department's websites disclaimer for more information.See: Copyright and Disclaimer

If your local pharmacy is not listed you can ask them to register for free interpreting services. The pharmacy can register for the services with TIS National by filling out an online form.See: Medical Practitioners Free Interpreting Registration Form