TIM Costello sees a lot of hope where others don’t.
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The World Vision chief executive finds it in the potential of young people.
That is part of the message he will deliver during a visit to Wangaratta on October 30.
“I’m not one who is critical of the next generation, that they’re not as hard working or diligent as us,” he said.
“I actually think there’s untapped idealism and often a struggle to know ‘what’s the point of my life, what have I got to offer?’.
“Just being given the confidence that you have a lot to offer is sometimes life changing.”
The Wangaratta community has been invited to an evening with “Mr Costello and friends”.
That involves a town hall-style meeting open to the public at the Encounter Christian Church from 7pm to 9pm.
Earlier in the day, he will address students at Wangaratta High before attending a business lunch run by the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program.
“World Vision wants to engage the wider community, particularly the next generation who will inherit the great task of battling global poverty and famine,” Mr Costello said.
The visit is one of four he is making on a tour of regional Victoria.
“We have a lot of donors from Wangaratta — I’m very aware that we’re very city-centric and so we’re coming out to thank them for their sacrifice and humanitarism,” he said.
“And we see huge numbers of young people who are inspired by a vision of a world without poverty.
“Young people are often inspired to think of a career in international development, of making a difference.”
Mr Costello said many of those young people were in Wangaratta schools.
“They often do the 40-hour Famine, so we’ve come to inspire and encourage them,” he said.
Mr Costello has led World Vision since 2004.
It is Australia’s largest international development agency, with its support from many Australians helping more than 400,000 children around the world.
Leadership program executive officer Kim Scanlon said it was pleasing to be able to bring Mr Costello to Wangaratta in partnership with World Vision.
“Tim Costello is one of Australia’s most sought-after speakers and respected community leaders,” she said.
“When Tim talks, the nation listens.”
Mr Costello — who will be joined by social justice singer and songwriter Levi McGrath and comedian Michael Connell — said the tour recognised that regional Australians were uncertain about the future.
“In some places I’m going there are real fears of parents about ice, drugs and youth suicide,” he said.
“This is bringing a message of hope of the best way to drug-proof your kids is to give them purpose.”
Tickets for this lunch are strictly limited, but can still be bought through the website at avclp.org.au, with further inquiries welcome on 0417 348 547.