With decades of leadership across local government, industry organisations and commercial fruit production, Tim Grieger brings a strong practical and governance perspective to the NFFC. In this profile, Tim shares his experience supporting industry‑led biosecurity action and his long‑standing commitment to protecting pest free areas critical to Australia’s horticulture sector.

Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your education and career.
I have worked in executive management throughout my career, early career being in Local Government, 25 years as CEO; Executive Manager for the Riverland Field Days; Executive Manager for Summerfruit SA since 2007; participation in many community groups and committees. Educated in Local Government administration; and completed courses in Marketing and Project Management.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?
My role is Executive Manager for Summerfruit SA – and owner/manager of Tim Grieger Fresh Fruit, and I am based in Renmark, South Australia.

What does a typical day at the office look like for you?
Generally, a 7am start – daily activity review; using quiet time for creativity, progressing programs and projects; communications with my Chairman; attending various meetings; communications with industry & Departmental personnel/ stakeholders; plus putting as much time as I can into my business operations.

How does your role relate to biosecurity and, more specifically, fruit fly?
Biosecurity and Fruit Fly eradication is critical to Summerfruit SA, host commodity organisations, and the Riverland – member communications and awareness; participation on the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee; study and research on programs and processes aimed at improving Fruit Fly Management and protection of the Riverland PFA and progressing that through the various channels.

What motivates you to continue doing the work you do?
I have a clear vision on what the ‘gaps’ are; and how to fix the ‘gaps’ and change protocol to ensure that we have a much more sound, robust and secure PFA into the future.

What are you most proud of in the work you do?
Contribution to, firstly, the eradication of Fruit Fly from the Riverland PFA; and secondly, bringing about change to ensure that the Riverland PFA is protected into the future.

What is your vision for the future of the fruit fly system in Australia?
Keeping and protecting all PFA’s – in SA, WA and Tasmania; to improve control and suppression measures/programs in the eastern states; expand the use of SIT to achieve control and suppression, and to consider eradication is areas such as the greater Sunraysia region.

What are your hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Free time is short at present – time with family is priority – I have a grand daughter who is at the top of her dance routine at the State level (she was in the SA team that won the National title last year) she is just 9; Aussie travel; reading (mainly biographies); classic cars; flying.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.
In my early years, was a truck driver; and worked at Coober Pedy. My childhood years growing up was at Port Lincoln.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I enjoy working in teams; and strive to make a difference for the better.