I’m Chris Thyer, normally the CEO at the SAAETC, SA Aboriginal Education & Training Council, and I’ve stepped aside for five weeks to walk alongside AFSS during this important transition period before the new CE arrives. I’m proudly Ngarrindjeri (nee Rigney) and will be celebrating a very wise and joyful 60th birthday next week, a milestone that makes me feel grateful for the path I’ve travelled and the communities I’ve been part of.
I share life with my partner of 32 years, Mark, and we have three beautiful children aged 24 to 16, all carving out their futures in practical, exciting trades. They keep me grounded, laughing, and inspired every day. I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting the AFSS team, there’s a real sense of possibility here, and I can already feel the strength and heart of this organisation.
What My Role Does: As Interim CE, my role is to prepare AFSS for the arrival of the new Chief Executive in August, support stability, and help set the organisation up for a strong next chapter.
Something About Me: I love to travel and am part of the WIPCE, World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education committee. I’ll be heading to Hawaii for the next conference an incredible opportunity to see how Indigenous cultures around the world approach education. It’s always inspiring, energising, and a privilege to be involved.