Community Partners Program
(CPP)
The Croatian
Way
Information Kit
2012
Community Partners Program
(CPP)
Information Kit
The purpose of this information kit is to provide professionals working with people of Croatian
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 Croatian 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 Croatian 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. Croatia at a Glance
2. Demographics
3. Migration Trends
4. Croatian Culture and Customs
5. Croatian 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 Croatian Community
11. Resource Guide
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(CPP)
Croatia at a Glance
Background
Location: Croatia is situated between central and eastern Europe. Its terrain is diverse,
containing rocky coastlines, densely wooded mountains, plains, lakes, and rolling hills.
Languages: Croatian (South Slavic language, using the Roman script).
Area: 56,542 sq. km. land area; 31,067 sq. km. coastal sea area.
Population: (July 2008 est.): 4,491,543.
Population growth rate (2005 est.): -0.02%.
Health (2005 est.): Life expectancy--male 70.79 years; female 78.
Capital: (2002 est.)Zagreb (779,145).
National Holidays: Labour Day- 1 May, Anti-Fascist Resistance Day-22, Croatian National
Day -25 June, Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day-5 August, Independence Day-8
October
Neighbours: The east coast of the Adriatic Sea and shares a border with Serbia, Montenegro,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, and Slovenia.
Climate: Croatia has a mixture of climates. In the north it is continental, Mediterranean along
the coast, and a semi-highland and highland climate in the central region.
Natural Recourses: Oil, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt, mica, clays,
salt, and hydropower.
Ethnic groups: Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, other 5.9% (including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene,
Czech, and Roma) (2001 census).
Religions: Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, Slavic Muslim 1.28%, others 6.52%.
Famous people: John Malkovich - Hollywood actor, Eric Bana -actor, Andrija Alesi- builder,
Antun Albini – architect, Jogn Blazevic- Business, Ivan Belostenec-Lexicographer, Vatroslav Jaqic
– philologist, Milan Kangrga – Philosopher.
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Demographics
In the 2006 Australian Census there were 63,612 Croatian speaking Australians. There are
118,046 Australians of Croatian ancestry living in Australia. Three quarters live in Victoria and
New South Wales and in all states they are predominantly concentrated in urban areas.
CROATIAN MIGRATION IN QUEENSLAND
Before 1971, Croatians numbered 2119
1971 to 2000 increased by 1320
In Queensland, according to the 2006 Census, the 9,991 strong Croatian community lives
predominantly in Brisbane (3,047) and the Gold Coast (2,158) with 836 living in Logan. The
remainder are found in Cairns 4.5%, Redland 4.2%, Ipswich 2.6%, Maroochy 2.6%, Pine Rivers
2.1%, Caboolture 2.1%, Mareeba 1.8% and others (19.6%)
In Queensland, in the 2006 Census, 9,966 claim Croatian ancestry
2,199 Croatians speak Croatian at home. 695 are over the age of 60. Of the Croatian born
elderly, 65years and older, 47.8% speak English Not Well or Not at all.
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Migration Trends
Croatia had the greatest emigration rate in the world, after Ireland.
The first Croatians arrived in Australia around 1854 during the gold rush era. The largest group
of Croatian migrants came from Dalmacia (coastal region). Most of them settled in Victoria in
the mining districts and worked in the goldfields. After trying their luck as miners, some of the
new arrivals became seamen, fisherman, labourers, storekeepers, farmers and publicans. Some
lived for some time in Victoria before moving to other states.
Second most populated state for Croatians was NSW. Croatians were attracted to Queensland
by the gold rush as well and stayed there for many years. Croatians, who settled in Western
Australia prior to 1890, mainly lived in Fremantle, Perth and Albany where they were seamen
and farmers. Many were also involved in the wine-making industry.
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Between 1891 and 1945 the number of Croatian-born migrants increased dramatically, after
the discovery of silver-lead deposits in Broken Hill. A large number wrote to their relatives back
home and assisted them in their migration to Australia. This was the first large-scale chain
migration of Croatians to Australia especially for women, who started accompanying their
husbands. These settlers were better organised and founded many Croatian clubs, which
supported social and cultural activities.
After the Second World War, Croatians left their home for political reasons and to search for a
better life. Approximately 44,000 arrived between 1950 and 1960. The post war migrants
mainly found employment in factories but many later worked as tradesmen in the building and
construction industry. After the latest turmoil in Croatia a new wave of migrants came from the
war affected areas. Their poor knowledge of the English language restricted them again to
labouring occupations.
Culture and Customs
Croatians are extremely proud of their heritage and culture and are thus staunch nationalists.
They call their country "Our Beautiful Homeland" ("Lijepa naša"), which is also the title of the
national anthem. The sense of nationalism comes both from their long and rich culture as well
as a legacy of foreign invasion and control. Traditional culture is determined by folk rituals and
their importance is expressed by the old folk proverb: “It is better if the village disappears than
if custom disappears.” Rituals and customs fostered the awareness of identity and guarantied
the survival of the nation.
Croatians, as a group, tend to share thoughts and ideas freely and are very friendly. A guest in a
Croatian home is warmly welcomed and may be overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity.
Most Croatians enjoy a robust conversation and have a keen sense of humour. Croatians talk of
their jobs, politics, health problems and misfortunes as an Australian would of football or
cricket. 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 Croatians may be
quite formal with strangers. In formal situations a handshake is considered polite. For some
Croatians, 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, Croatians will take in elderly parents rather than send them to a nursing home.
Weekends are considered family time. Few Croatians will allow business concerns to interfere
with this important part of their lives.
Many Croatian people enjoy taking part in senior citizens clubs which allow the Croatian elderly
to communicate their thoughts, feeling and ideas on a deeper level. The Croatian community in
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Queensland has a number an elderly group which meets usually on a fortnightly basis – and
provides a very valuable social support service to the community of older persons, the majority
of whom are in their mid70’s and 80’s. Many of these people have lost their ability to speak
English due to dementia, and a significant number have never learned to communicate in this
language. The Croatian elderly are very practically minded. They want to be involved in creating
something useful, slightly challenging and with a defined purpose.
Language
When the Croatians arrived to the lands of central Europe in the 7th century, they adopted
Christianity and with it the Latin script as the principal alphabet of their language. Before this
‘Glagoljica (Glagolitic script) was is use and it was a combination of Old Church Slavonic and the
native language of the Croatian people.
The Croatian language belongs to the Slavic group of languages and consists of three dialects:
Shtokavian, Kajkavian and Chakavian. Shtokavian is the basis of standard Croatian. It is based
on the rule “one sound - one letter”. Usually Croatian people have no problem understanding
Bosnian or Serbian speaking people. Parts of the Croatian nation are historically and culturally
deeply rooted to the territories of the neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Hungry,
Serbia-Montenegro and also Austria, Slovakia, Italy and Romania.
 Gaining accurate figures for the Croatian community in Australia is difficult because
place of birth does not accurately reflect ethnicity.
 Many Croatians were born in Bosnia and Herzegovina or in other parts of former
Yugoslavia and speak the local dialects.
 When booking an interpreter, it is culturally appropriate to request a Croatian born,
Croatian speaking interpreter. This is an important consideration as many clients
experienced war trauma and find it difficult to interact with people of other ethnicities
from former Yugoslavia.
 Many elderly Croatians do not have good English proficiency and some have lost their
ability to speak English due to dementia.
Useful words and phrases
English
Hello
Goodbye
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good evening
Yes
No
Please
Thanks
My name is…
Croatian
Bok
Do videnja
Dobro jutro
Dobar dan
Dobra vecer
Da
Ne
Molim
Hvala
Zovem se ..
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What is your name?
How are you?
Fine, and you?
How much is it?
How much does it cost?
See you later
Sorry
Excuse me
Kako se zoveš?
Kako si?
Dobro, a ti?
Koliko je to?
Koliko to košta?
Vidimo se
Žalim
Oprostite
Forms of Address
The naming system follows the standard western system i.e. the first or Christian name is
followed by the family or married. “Vi” (‘you” is plural) it’s the term used as a polite form of
address when an older person is addressed to show respect or when they are not familiar with
each other. A friendly and very common greeting among the Croatians is “Bog”, both for “Hi!”
and “Bye!” The literal meaning of Bog is – God. (Probably short for “God be with you”
There is a distinct difference between the Croatians who are from urban and those with village
backgrounds. It is suggested that service providers ask their clients how they wish to be
addressed. Older people in Croatia are usually addressed as aunties and uncles by people
younger than themselves. They are not used to being called by their Christian names by
younger people, or people with whom they are not familiar. However, Croatians who have
resided in Australia for many years may feel comfortable to be called by their first name.
Religion and Tradition
It was Christianity that established true bonds between the Croatians and the developing
culture in Europe. Croatian culture was born in the intertwining net of Mediterranean, Central
Europe and mostly West European cultures in the north and Italian influence in the coastal
region.
The Croatians converted to Christianity in the 7th century and thus have for the last 13
centuries been a part of Western civilization and culture.
Christianity deeply influenced the spiritual, moral and traditional values of Croatians and it still
plays an important social role today. The Catholic Church as the largest Christian community is
a leading social force. Traces of ancient Croatian pagan cults (worship of Perun and lesser
deities) can still be found today in folk customs and tales. For many, especially the older
generation, life revolves around the church and its activities. The clergy is highly respected and
involved in various aspects of community life.
Croatians especially worship the Virgin Mary, or as they often refer to her “Our Lady”. There
are numerous shrines in her honour throughout the areas where Croatians live, but most
famous is Marija Bistrica. This church is to the Croats what Lourdes is the French or Fatima to
Portuguese or Loretto to the Italians.
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Another big event in honour of Virgin Mary is “Sinjska Alka” a competition with horse riders
throwing spears, aiming to pierce a stationary ring, while riding in a full gallop. After the event
a procession through the town that celebrates “Our Lady” is held.
Croatians are proud of their culture and celebrate annually cultural, political, historical and
religious events. There is a strong correlation between religion, traditions and culture in the
Croatian community, especially for the elderly. An important tradition of Catholic Croatians is
to abstain from meat every Friday, though custom is slowly diminishing.
It is common for Croatians to kiss on both cheeks as part of a greeting.
Special Days
Easter
During Lent no meat is consumed (people over 50 are not obliged to follow this practice). A one
hour fast is observed prior to attending mass (water and medication is allowed if the individual
is unwell). A carnival is held on the Tuesday prior to the commencement of Lent. Aon Ash
Wednesday the majority of Croatians fast. From this day until Easter Sunday there is no singing,
music or dancing. Over Easter no work is done, but people attend Church and some traditional
craft activities. Traditionally, eggs are painted or dyed.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve (24 December) until the Epiphany (first Sunday
after New Year). On Christmas Eve candles wrapped with ribbons representing the colours of
the Croatian flag are lit. These are then placed amid green wheat to form a special display. The
presents are taken from under the tree and distributed mainly to the children-while the whole
family sing carols. Prior to dining, family members pray together. After Christmas Eve dinner
that is traditionally fish (smoked cod ‘the white way’ is a Christmas Eve dish). The family would
go to midnight mass. (Ponocka) Christmas day lunch is usually turkey and greased flat pastry
called “mlinci”. Lots of small cakes made mainly of nuts would be eaten after Christmas lunch,
other members of the extended family would visit on Christmas Day.
New Year
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. All the quests then kiss and
hug wishing each other a “happy new year”.
Presentation of the Lord, blessing of the candles and St Bias Day (blessing of the truths) are
noble feasts. These are listed in the liturgical calendar.
Food and Diet
Croatians cuisine differs between north and the coastal region in the south. In continental part
of Croatia, food is influenced by the Hungarian and German/Austrian cuisines. The meals are
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rich and very filling and can be relatively high in fat. Smoked goods are especially popular, such
as smoked sausages, ham, bacon (speck) and smoked ribs.
Coastal region, Dalmacia, has dishes that are low in fat. Dalmatian region cooking is based on
seafood, olive oil, boiled vegetables with a very light sauce and very heavy wines that are drunk
with water (bevanda). ‘Pasticada’ is one of the favourite dishes. These parts have been more
influenced by Italian cuisine.
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. Croatian people are usually not in a habit of eating vegemite or peanut butter.
The main meal of the day is lunch and is served around 2-3 p.m. it is usually a cooked meal.
Favourite dishes would be goulash, ‘paprikas’ (casserole with the liberal use of red paprika),
“Sarma” (rolled sauerkraut leaves filled with meat and rice). Barlotty or red kidney beans are
cooked with smoked pork ribs. Scrambled eggs (with chives, tomatoes and onion but no milk,
Pickled vegetables, such as gherkins, red paprika and sauerkraut are very popular as a winter
salad. Other salads are tomatoes with finely sliced onions or chives, radishes, potato salad,
lettuce with cream, lemon and sugar dressing.
Beef, chicken and pork are strongly preferred over lamb dishes. Curries and hot foods are
generally not popular but salt and paprika are used liberally. 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.
Supper is usually light and whatever is left over from lunch can be used as well. 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, Croatians have varied tastes, likes
and dislikes, and one must not assume that we are a homogeneous group.
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
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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 Croatians 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.
Further issues:
 Lack of understanding and awareness of Australia’s structures and systems
 For professional care, Croatians have a strong preference for ethno-specific aged care
services
 Reluctance to seek assistance
 Reluctance to sign papers and forms
 Traditional attitude-professional care is a foreign concept, people are suspicious
 Modern attitude-receptive to professional care, needs to be culturally and linguistically
appropriate; polite to shake hands and have a few minutes of courteous conversation, if
visiting client; highly likely that client will offer HACC Assessment Officer food and drink;
clients may feel that questions being asked are to personal and may feel uncomfortable
about answering; try to structure questions to be non-intrusive
Health beliefs and practices:
 Traditionally doctors & general practitioners are well respected and given great
authority
 Croatian-born people tend to openly discuss their physical ailments and health
conditions
 Preventive health actions are not widely adopted by the Croatian community
Health issues:
 Diabetes
 High cholesterol
 High blood pressure
 Heart disease
 Excess weight
 Mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder & anxiety
disorders)
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.
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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
When a family member passes away, it is a custom for relatives to wear black clothing as a
symbol of mourning. 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 Croatians 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.
Interpreters and Bilingual Staff
Although 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 Croatian 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.
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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.
Key Issues for the Croatian Community
Most Croatian 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 Croatian community in Australia and their families in Croatia, they feel that Australia is
their home. The elderly of Croatian background however, have a range of un-met needs.
Service needs of the Croatian 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 Croatian people. Above average
incidence of cancer and mental problems is prevalent in Croatian elderly.
Croatian Community-Specific Issues
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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 Croatian 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
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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
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The need for appropriate dementia care support services for the elderly and their
careers.
The need for in-home support services that are culturally and linguistically relevant
to potential Croatian 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
Croatian Seniors Club
164 Dunn Rd ROCKLEA Q 4106
Activities: Social, cultural
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 Catalogue
http://www.ceh.org.au/video_catalogue.htm
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW
www.alzheimers.org.au
Queensland health – Multicultural Health Publications
www.health.qld.gov.au/publications/restopicmaster.asp?Rec=40&frmHealthTopic
MulticulturalHealth
Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre
www.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc/multilingual_resources.asp
Cancer Foundation
http://www.cancerindex.org/clinks13.htm
Nutrition Australia
www.nutritionaustralia.org
c/–
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Free interpreting services
The Australian Government, through TIS National, provides free interpreting services to nonEnglish 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
services
Note: Organisations that require language services (such as interpreting) and receive
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 655 820
Email: 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
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.
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
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)