Welcome to Interpretation Australia

Interpretation Australia is a not-for-profit national membership-based organisation dedicated to advancing the profession of cultural and natural heritage interpretation.

What interpretation does

Interpretation communicates ideas, information and knowledge in a way which helps visitors to make sense of their environment. Good interpretation will create engaging, unique and meaningful experiences for visitors. It takes many forms including such things as guided walks, talks, drama, art, sculpture, displays, signs, brochures and electronic media.

Who is IA?

The Interpretation Australia Association was formed in 1992 to share issues and ideas, improve professional standards and raise the profile of interpretation as a profession. It serves more than 400 members in Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

Many IA members are employed by government agencies. Other members are consultants who work in interpretation development, visitor research, writing, graphic design, multi-media, drama and guiding. They provide services to agencies to develop and produce interpretive plans, interpretive media, and guiding programs.

What IA offers

IA offers useful resources for use by our members; provides a job and tender page where members can advertise; and our supplier registry, which is accessible by non-members. It provides a one stop directory for specialists across the range of sectors in which interpreters operate.

Additionaly, IA also provides a national event each year, which either takes the form of a conference where members present their own experience and research; or as a workshop and skill sharing exercise. Smaller, state based events are also offered during the year.

2018 Interpretation Australia National Award Winners

This year we had a phenomenal number of entries for our Awards! The range and quality of the entries were outstanding and it was a difficult year for our judges.

In order to showcase these great projects it was decided that we would also have Runner Up Awards this year. Additionally the judges also chose two Judges Choice Awards.

Congratulations to all our 2018 National Award winners! To see who won visit our Awards page.