Tim Costello

Tim Costello is one of Australia’s leading voices on social justice issues, lending commentary to a wide range of national concerns: gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse. Costello’s more than a talking head though; as an ordained Baptist minister, former Mayor, scholar and currently CEO of World Vision Australia, he’s maintained a position on the frontline of these issues.

As head of World Vision Australia, Tim played a crucial role in the country’s response to the 2004 tsunami that devastated coastal communities of Southeast Asia, championing a relief-drive that saw more than $100 million raised for the cause.

That same year, he was awarded Victorian of the Year. For his activism and leadership, Costello has also been made an Officer of the Order of Australia, won the Australian Peace Prize and has recently been listed by the Australian National Trust as a “National Living Treasure”. With a wisdom gleaned from years of personally living Jesus’ call to “the least of these”, Costello brings an invaluable perspective to the issues facing our developing world.

Darlene Zschech

Worship pioneer, author, social justice advocate and pastor, Darlene Zschech has been an essential part of the international church’s landscape for decades. As the voice of Hillsong Australia, Zschech was the voice of countless contemporary church anthems, most notably Shout To The Lord, still sung by an estimated 25 million people around the world each week Zschech and her husband Mark are passionate social advocates, founding Hope Rwanda in 2005, aimed at assisting the poverty-stricken country through sustainable development. Zschech is also an advocate for Compassion Australia and a member of ex-Delirious front man Martin Smith’s Compassionate charity.

In January 2011, Darlene and her husband founded Hope Unlimited Church in New South Wales. She continues to lead worship with Hillsong and around the world.