In Memory of Marc Ethan

Expression Australia honours the life and legacy of Marc Ethan, an esteemed NZSL and Auslan intepreter whose career spanned nearly 30 years across Aotearoa and Australia.

Marc began his interpreting journey in Aotearoa before moving to Australia, where he continued to build an extraordinary legacy in the interpreting field. His first interpreting job with our organisation was on 25 January 2006, when we were known as Vicdeaf. For more than twenty years, Marc contributed his expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, helping shape the high standards of interpreting practice we continue to upload today.

A proud Māori man, Marc carried his cultural grounding with strength and integrity. He advocated for authentic representation and cultural respect, particularly in his work alongside Deaf First Nations community members. He was also deeply committed to inclusion within the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring access at festival, conferences, celebrations and community events.

Marc championed allyship and mentorship. He was generous with his time and expert knowledge, uplifting emerging interpreters and strengthening the interpreting profession. His love of musical theatre, live music and the arts was reflected in the passion and vibrancy he brought to his work.

For Marc, the Deaf community was everything. Excellence in interpreting was not optional; it was the minimum he strived for. He also cared deeply by embodying the care and steadiness that defined him in his work.

We extend our deepest aroha to Marc's whānau, friends, colleagues and the many communities who are grieving this profound loss.

Details of Marc's celebration of life will be shared once advised.

Marc's legacy continues to live on in the countless moments of access he created and the many lives he touched.