About Us

Susanne (Susi) Tegen

Susi was born in Salzburg, Austria and lived between Salzburg and Vienna until she migrated to South Australia with her family as a teenager. It is then, that her passion for Austrian and Australian links and relations started.

She has lived and worked in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Vienna.

Susi is the Chief Executive (CE) of the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) and Director on APACMed (Asia Pacific) a Medical Technology and Health Industry Association.

Susi is currently a Director on several Boards in SA, Health First Network – a General Practice and population health organisation and Deputy Chairman, Sight for All – an International Development agency, supporting the training and mentoring of Ophthalmologists in the Asia Pacific in the treatment and prevention of debilitating eye disease.

She is the former CE of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology (RANZCO), an entity which trains Australia’s and NZ’s eye surgeons, where she built significant national and international relationships and policy.

She has held the position of CE of the Limestone Coast Division of General Practice and the Managing Director of Agribusiness FREE Eyre Ltd.

In addition, she was Deputy Chairman for FarmBis SA, Farmsafe SA and a member of the Community Services (health, infrastructure, services) committee for the SA Farmer’s Federation. Susi has a special interest in and passion for international development and rural & remote services.

These positions, along with other executive level roles and Board appointments have provided Susi with experience and knowledge from the business sector.

Susi’s contribution to the business and rural sector has been rewarded with awards including the SA Rural Woman of the Year and Telstra Business Woman Nokia Business Innovation award, both in 2009.

She enjoys, family, travel, food, wine, opera and art – strengths of both Austria and SA/NT.

Debora Ferris

Debora oversees operations at the consulate, providing crucial support to the Consul in her duties. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Debora spent her formative years in the lively neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema. She immersed herself in sports, particularly volleyball, while pursuing marine biology academically. From childhood, she harbored a deep love for Austria, fueled by her passion for its composers as a pianist.

In 1987, she traveled through Europe and discovered Lech, Austria. There, she developed a profound love for the Alps and skiing, prompting her to pause her academic pursuits and embrace life in the charming town of Lech am Arlberg. Skiing quickly became her primary recreational pursuit, with Debora spending most of her free time on the slopes, trekking up the mountains whenever she wasn’t at work.

There she eagerly engaged in local events and choirs, embracing the vibrant culture of the town. Debora worked at various renowned hotels, looking after many guests, including royals, celebrities, and state leaders.

She married a local Austrian and welcomed two beautiful children, Patrick and Hannah. Eventually, amidst a marriage break-up, Debora and her children returned to Brazil. There she worked in events management at the prestigious Copacabana Palace hotel in Rio. However, after two years, they still longed for the familiar warmth of Austria.

Upon their return to Austria, she met her now-husband, Peter Ferris, an Adelaidean, during his visit to a mutual friend who introduced them.

After living in Austria for over two decades, Debora and her family started a new chapter, settling in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.

As Debora says, “I am deeply honored to be working at the Austrian Consulate, where I have the opportunity to give back to the Austrian community. I strive to contribute positively to the vibrant community, fostering cultural exchange and supporting collective growth in South Australia and the Northern Territory.”