Tim Costello Reverend & World Vision Australia CEO

Education  Born March  Educated at Carey Baptist School  Graduated from Monash in Law in 1978  Practised in family and criminal law  1981 travelled to Switzerland to study theology returning to Australia in 1984

Religion and Community  Become the reverend Tim Costello in 1987  Pivotal in rebuilding the St.Kilda Baptist Church  Established a drop in centre for under privileged people and practised law for those who would other wise not have access

Community  Elected Mayor of St.Kilda in 1993 promoting local Democracy  Well known clashes with Jeff Kennett.  His political career ended when Kennett abolished St.Kilda council in his council reformation.

Community  From 1995 – 2003 worked at Collins Street Baptist Church and was Executive Director of Urban Seed, Christian Not for profit organisation.  Urban Seed was founded to help the homelessness and drug problems of the cities open street population

Costello’s work  The reverend Tim Costello has held several positions –Baptist Union of Australia 1999 – 2002 –Patron of Baptist World Aid –Member of Australian Earth Charter Committee –Sat on the council of the Australian centre for Christianity and Culture –Spokesperson for the Inter-church Gambling Taskforce –Member of Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation –In 2004 appointed CEO of World Vision Australia

World Vision Australia  Worked to bring global poverty to the surface to rasie national interest  When the tsunami struck in 2004 on Boxing Day he was a shining light for those who suffered greatly.  His tireless work and leadership lead to an unprecedented $100+ millions being donated to the relief efforts  Tim also played an important role in the success of the “Make Poverty History” campaign

Honours and Today  In 2004 Tim Costello was awarded Victorian of the Year for recognition of his work in public and community service  In 2005 he was made an officer of the Order of Australia  Reverend Tim Costello has often being labelled as a living treasure and to this day continues his work for the community and to advocate equality and peace in the community  He is a well respected community member and leader whose work has benefited millions and inspired many