Tim Costello is one of Australia’s most respected community leaders and a sought after voice on social justice issues, leadership, and ethics. He is currently the Executive Director of Micah Australia and Director of Ethical Voice. He previously served for 13 years as Chief Executive of World Vision Australia (WVA). He also serves as Senior Advisor for the Centre for Public Christianity, Chair of the Community Council for Australia, Co-Chair of the Charities Crisis Cabinet, and Chief Advocate of the Thriving Communities Partnership.
In earlier roles, Tim was National President of the Baptist Union of Australia and Mayor of St Kilda. He served as a Baptist Minister at St Kilda Baptist and Collins Street Baptist in Melbourne as well as Executive Director of Urban Seed.
Tim initially studied law and education at Monash University, Melbourne, followed by theology at the International Baptist Seminary in Rueschlikon, Switzerland. He also received a Masters Degree in Theology from the Melbourne College of Divinity. In 2006, Tim was named Victoria’s Australian of the Year. In June 2005, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). In 2004, he was named Victorian of the Year and in 1997 was named as one of Australia’s 100 National Living Treasures.
Since 2019, he has been pioneering the Chinese COACH Mentoring program to strengthen mentoring efforts for new immigrants and vulnerable people. He is currently working with over 10 Chinese churches in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane to train mentors to help people in challenging situations flourish.