Tim Costello, recognised by the media for articulating the social conscience of many Australians on tough domestic issues such urban poverty, homelessness, problem gambling, reconciliation and substance abuse has taken a major step onto the global stage as the CEO of Australia's largest relief and development agency, World Vision Australia. After studying law and education at Monash University and then theology in Switzerland Tim was ordained a Baptist Minister in 1986. Tim established a vibrant and socially active ministry at St Kilda Baptist Church between 1986 -1994.

In 1993 he was elected mayor of St Kilda. In 1995 Tim was appointed minister of Collins Street Baptist Church and executive director of Urban Seed, a Christian not-for-profit organisation that provides outreach services and hospitality to the urban poor.

Tim Costello is the former national president of the Baptist Union of Australia.
Tim was the spokesperson for the Interchurch Gambling Taskforce and a member of the National Advisory Body on Gambling. Tim is currently a member of the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation and Chairman of the National Australia Bank external Stakeholder forum.

His passion for justice has compelled Tim to experience the lives of the poor in the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia and East Timor. What he saw and felt on these trips compelled him to challenge global poverty in the name of his fellow Australians.

Tim put his world vision in these words." that Australians are seen as a people who believe in a fair go for everyone, regardless of where they are born. And not just believe it, but show the will to make it so."

Tim has also written three books: 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 was awarded Victorian of the Year in 2004.

Tim and his wife of 25 years, Merridie have three adult children, Claire, Elliot and Martin.

www.worldvision.org.au