World Vision’s Tim Costello to address 14th National Rural Health Conference

Reverend Tim Costello AO, Chief Advocate of World Vision Australia, will use the platform of Australia’s most eminent rural health event to discuss how World Vision’s experience overseas and at home can be applied to help the disadvantaged in rural Australia.

Tim will bring his vast national and international experience as one of many prominent keynote speakers set to address the 14th National Rural Health Conference in Cairns from April 26 to 29. 

"I am honoured to be involved in the Conference's wonderful work in investigating and improving the lives of the 7 million people in rural and remote Australia," said Mr Costello.

"I am expecting great positive ideas to emerge from the conference." 

Tim took up the newly created Chief Advocate position of the country's largest aid and development agency after being in the role of CEO of World Vision Australia for 13 years.

"I am passionate about my role as Chief Advocate, which allows me to continue to speak up on behalf of the world's most vulnerable people," he said 

As a social justice campaigner, Tim has most recently been in the spotlight in his calls for aid for Syrian refugees fleeing the besieged city of Aleppo and an end to the war there. 

"We cannot give up on the quest for peace and justice in so many regions where war, famine and injustice threaten the peace, prosperity and security of our fellow citizens of the planet," he said. "It is a mission that we must continue in our interconnected world. 

"At this conference I want to explore how the successes and challenges we at World Vision have experienced over many years overseas and at home may be applied to help the disadvantaged in rural Australia."

David Butt, CEO of the organising body, the National Rural Health Alliance, says the Alliance is very pleased Tim is able to participate.

“Tim is one of Australia’s most well-known community leaders, committed to dealing with issues relating to social justice, leadership and ethics, and his views on how to tackle financial and social disadvantage for rural and remote Australians will make a valuable contribution to the Conference and its impact.” 

Other prominent national and international presenters include Professor of Nursing and Midwifery at CQ University, Gracelyn Smallwood speaking on the integration of differing world views of health and wellbeing; and Jonathon Sher, Consultant on Pre-conception Health, Education and Care in Scotland, on preparing the next generation of rural mothers and fathers. 

For your chance to be involved, register now at http://ruralhealth.org.au/14nrhc/