Tim Costello

Tim Costello "became the Chief Executive of World Vision Australia in February 2004. Before his involvement with World Vision, Tim had long been the voice of social conscience for many Australians, having led debates on issues such as gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse.

"Tim first studied law and education at Monash University, followed by theology at the International Baptist Seminary Rueschlikon in Switzerland, and a Master’s in Theology at the Melbourne College of Divinity.

"As a Baptist Minister, Tim established an active ministry at St Kilda Baptist Church between 1986 and 1994. In 1993, he demonstrated his commitment to serving the community by successfully running for Mayor of St Kilda.

"From 1995 to 2004, Tim was Minister at the Collins Street Baptist Church and Executive Director of Urban Seed, a not-for-profit Christian outreach service for the urban poor. He was also the National President of the Baptist Union of Australia from 1999 to 2002.

"Today, as the Chief Executive of World Vision Australia, Tim leads an organisation of about 500 staff, with an annual income of over $300 million, and more than 400,000 children overseas sponsored by Australians.

"In his current role, Tim has also witnessed the worst of humanitarian disasters and seen the most inspiring human responses to suffering. After the tsunami disaster of Boxing Day 2004, Tim travelled immediately to a disaster area, and his presence and media profile added significant weight to the World Vision appeal, which ultimately raised more than $100 million.

"In 2004, Tim was awarded Victorian of the Year, in 2005 was Victorian Australian of the Year and also in June 2005, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), for "service to the community through contributions to social justice, health and welfare issues, international development assistance, and to the Baptist Church".

"Tim is currently Chairman of the National Australia Bank Community Advisory Council, a member of the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, and a member of the National Aid Advisory Council. He has been voted as one of Australia's 100 National Living Treasures.

"Tim has written several books including Streets of Hope: Finding God in St Kilda; Tips from a Travelling Soul Searcher and Wanna Bet? Winners and Losers in Gambling’s Luck Myth (co-written with Royce Millar).

"Tim and his wife Merridie have three adult children, Claire, Elliot and Martin."


 * Member of the Founding Group of Australians All
 * Co-chair, Make Poverty History
 * Patron, A Just Australia

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 * Peter Costello - His Brother