The African Think Tank invites you to attend an African Youth fundraising dinner on the 29th November 2007 at Ormond College Dining Hall. 

Special Features
The evening will be a feast of African Culture with special highlights including: SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER - Tim Costello, Chief Executive of World Vision Australia.

Tim Costello has long been the voice of social conscience for many Australians, having led debates on domestic issues such as gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse. Tim is a sought after public speaker and every year addresses thousands of people from diverse backgrounds

Since February 2004, Rev Tim Costello has been the Chief Executive of World Vision, Australia’s largest overseas aid organization. In this current role, Tim has witnessed the worst of humanitarian disasters and seen the most inspiring human responses to suffering. After the Asian Tsunami of Boxing Day 2004, Tim travelled immediately to the disaster area, and his presence and media profile added significant weight to the World Vision appeal, which ultimately raised more than $100 million.

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

After ordination as a Baptist Minister in 1984, Tim established a vibrant and socially 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 Mr Costello was Minister at Collins Street Baptist Church and Executive Director of Urban Seed, a Christian not-for-profit outreach service for the urban poor. In addition, between 1999 and 2002 he was National President of the Baptist Union of Australia

In 2004, Tim was awarded Victorian of the Year, in 2005 was the Victorian Australian of the Year, and also in June 2005 he 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 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 (which was co-written with Royce Millar).

Mr Costello and his wife, Merridie, have three adult children, Claire, Elliot and Martin.

Venue
Experience the history of The University of Melbourne and step back in time with dinner set amidst a backdrop of nineteenth century Neo-Gothic architecture in Ormond College’s unique Dining Hall. Wood paneling, stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, open fireplaces, beautiful carved wooden tables and chairs and original candelabra create an impressive ambience.

Tickets
Tickets for the evening can be purchased via the ticket order form (download here) for the cost of $100.00 per ticket. Ticket entitles entry, a three course meal, some wine, beer and soft drinks and tea and coffee.  All proceeds go towards the African Think Tank for projects towards the integration of Sudanese Youth into the community.

Please return Dinner attendance form with payment in Australian Dollars to:

Melbourne Conference Management
Level 1, Union House,
The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010 or
Via fax to: 03 8344 0013

Sponsorship or Donation Opportunities
Organisations or individuals wishing to donate monies or items for the Silent Auctions, please contact please contact Kate Dell’Aquila 03 8344 6389, or Tessa Fitzpatrick 03 8344 6107.

Further Information
For further information on the evening please contact Melbourne Conference Management on 03 8344 6107.

Read more details about the fundraising dinner