World Vision farewells Chief Advocate, Tim Costello

Friday, June 7, 2019

World Vision Australia | Friday 7 June 2019

One of the country’s most loved social justice advocates is stepping down after 15 years serving Australia’s largest humanitarian organisation, World Vision Australia.

Tim Costello, World Vision’s Chief Advocate, has announced his decision to resign at the age of 64, but will continue to lend his expertise to the aid agency on issues of global poverty.

“After so many years at this wonderful organisation, I am no less passionate about the work that we do around the world. While this marks the end of my time as an employee, I remain a committed supporter and a passionate member of the alumni,” Mr Costello said.

Mr Costello began his journey with World Vision Australia as Chief Executive Officer in 2004, becoming Australia’s voice for the hundreds of thousands of lives affected by the devastation of the Boxing Day tsunami. In 2016 he moved into the role of Chief Advocate and welcomed incoming CEO Claire Rogers.

For more than two and half years Mr Costello embraced his position as Chief Advocate, saying it allowed him to continue to speak out on issues of social justice at home and abroad while supporting the organisation as it moved forward under a new CEO.

“I leave knowing that the leadership of World Vision Australia has been well transitioned, excited for its future direction and encouraged for the impact it will continue to have on the world’s most vulnerable children,” he said.

Mr Costello said that his time with World Vision was more than just a job, but an expression of his life purpose.

“I've been to some of the most difficult of places in our world, and what has always struck me is the enduring hope of the people I meet. That’s what has always kept me going; the notion that I could play but a small part in realising those hopes.”

World Vision CEO Claire Rogers said that Mr Costello’s unwavering dedication, passion and humanity through his work at World Vision had improved the lives of millions of vulnerable people.

“In both his role as CEO and Chief Advocate Tim has been instrumental in helping grow World Vision Australia to become the nation’s best-known humanitarian organisation. I am thankful to have inherited the leadership of this incredible organisation with the impact of Tim’s legacy,” Ms Rogers said.

“He is an inspirational and much-loved figure not just in Australia but around the world and I thank him for his extraordinary service to our organisation and the world’s most disadvantaged children.”

World Vision Australia Chairman Shannon Adams said Mr Costello had helped change countless lives during his tenure at World Vision.

“World Vision would not be the same today without Tim’s fearless leadership and steadfast devotion to lifting children and communities out of poverty,” Mr Adams said.

“From his persuasive advocacy with the top end of town, to the compassion he displays to vulnerable people in the field, Tim has had a profound influence on our organisation and beyond.”

In addition to joining the ranks of a passionate alumni for World Vision Australia, Mr Costello will continue to be an advocate for social justice as Chair of the Community Council of Australia, Director of the Alliance for Gambling Reform and Executive Director of Micah Australia.

 

For more information or interview requests:

Peter Taylor, 0499 055 055, peter.taylor@worldvision.com.au

 

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