His passion for alleviating the suffering of poor communities in the developing world came to the fore in the days and weeks following the 2004 tsunami that devastated coastal communities in Southeast Asia. His activism and leadership, and the generosity of countless Australians, helped World Vision Australia raise more than $100 million for tsunami relief.

Tim went on to demonstrate his commitment to social justice as a leading figure of the Make Poverty History campaign. In April 2008 he chaired the Strengthening Communities, Supporting Families and Social Inclusion Committee of the Australian Government’s 2020 Summit in Canberra.

Prior to joining World Vision Australia, Tim served as Minister at the Collins Street Baptist Church in Melbourne, and as Executive Director of Urban Seed, a Christian not-for-profit outreach service for the urban poor. Between 1999 and 2002, he was also National President of the Baptist Union of Australia.

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, his commitment to serving the community led to a term serving as Mayor of St Kilda.

Tim studied law and education at Monash University, 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 2004, Tim was named Victorian of the Year; in June 2005 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO); and in 2006 he was named Victorian Australian of the Year.

The list of books he's authored includes 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 (co-written with Royce Millar).

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