About Us

With nearly 35 years of experience, I have provided translation and interpreting, writing, proofreading, editing, language instruction, and tuition services to a diverse range of individuals, institutions, and organizations. I began my journey in 1987, teaching English as a Second Language, including general English, foundation studies (for university admission in Australia), academic English, Cambridge First Certificate English, and IELTS preparation, first at the RELC in Singapore and then at the IEC at Edith Cowan University in Perth.

In 2012, I started a small business to offer writing, proofreading, editing, translation, and interpreting services directly to clients. For a period, this business became my primary source of income, allowing me to work from home with low overheads and more flexibility. As a result, clients benefited from a quality, professional service at more affordable rates by cutting out the middleman and dealing directly with a professional.

Nowadays, I continue to work directly for many clients, offering the same advantages, while also collaborating with numerous translation and interpreting agencies – 11 at last count, including occasional work from agencies in Glasgow, Scotland (Global Language Services), and Mexico (Clearly Local Limited). I have also resumed teaching the Tetum language, primarily through the University of New South Wales and Canberra Institute of Technology. Currently, most of my income comes from teaching Tetum and translation and interpreting work.

As of early morning on December 25th, 2024, I am updating this page on my website. (Admittedly the timing is a little sad.) Over the past few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the fields of writing, proofreading, editing, and translation services. While some may wrongly assume that these advancements eliminate the need for human experts, the reality is that human input remains essential. AI enhances the speed and affordability of these services, and I embrace AI technology, working with clients to use it. I also respect the wishes of some agencies and clients who prefer that I not utilise AI.

A Little About Me

I am married to a wonderful Indonesian woman, whom I affectionately refer to as my princess, and I speak Indonesian reasonably well. I graduated from the South East Asian Ministry of Education Organisation Regional Language Centre (SEAMEO RELC) in 1986 as an enthusiastic 20-year-old. I taught English from 1987 to 1991 in Singapore for SEAMEO RELC and the Japanese Kindergarten. In 1992, I returned to Australia to study Social Science at the College of Tertiary and Further Education in Sydney and Perth, graduating in 1994. I taught kindergarten in Perth for a year before returning to English teaching. From 1996 to 1999, I taught at the International English Centre in Malaysia, and in 2000, I taught at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia.

From 2001 to 2012, my wife and I served as missionaries with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia (Jehovah's Witnesses) in Timor-Leste (East Timor), where I learned the Tetum language. By 2005, I was a fully-fledged member of the translation department, honing my skills in translation, interpreting, proofreading, editing, and writing. In 2012, we returned to Australia, and I became a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accredited interpreter. Now, I offer you the opportunity to benefit from my extensive skills and experience.

This photograph appears on my website and is a product of my own creativity (?). The the thesaurus, grammar book and English dictionary represent the quality of the services I offer. The candlestick holders represent diligence, going the extra mile, and good, old-fashioned, trustworthy service.