By Kimberley Ellison

What is your favourite part of your job as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asian Aid?
When you see the injustice that exists for so many people in the world, you realise how empowering change can be. Asian Aid gives hope by making permanent, positive changes in people?s lives, and seeing the impact of that is what I love most about working here. People get their lives back simply because somebody in Australia or New Zealand cared enough to say, "That's not fair, and I want to help". It's humbling to be part of a process that is so powerful.

What are three things you're passionate about?
I'm passionate about social justice as a reflection of my Christian faith, I'm passionate about my family, and I'm passionate about Australian Rules Football.

What is your favourite country to visit, and why?
I have a few. India is alive and can be a little overwhelming, but at the same time, its intensity and vibrancy are invigorating. Nepal is a beautiful country and probably the one I look forward to visiting the most because of its natural beauty. The people are also friendly and welcoming. It is a country of great potential, but political instability means it's still a long way from achieving that potential.

Richard with the children of Kollegal

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What led you to a career in international development?
While I was at Avondale College, I had the opportunity to go on a Development Studies trip to Thailand, led by Harwood Lockton who was lecturing at Avondale at the time. That's when the seed was planted. I finished my Accounting degree and started working as an accountant.

In 2001 I commenced my MA in International Development, and in 2004 I was fortunate enough to be accepted in the ADRA International Internship program. I spent two years at ADRA Thailand as an intern before returning to Australia and taking up an International Programs role with Asian Aid shortly after.

Where do you hope to see Asian Aid in the next five to ten years?
I would like to see Asian Aid grow its programs in numbers, area and quality, under God's guidance. As you travel around India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Asia the enormity of the poverty that exists hits you hard.

We need to focus our efforts on telling the Asian Aid success stories so that we partner with more supporters and give hope to more people. We need to engage with the younger generation while respecting and valuing our existing supporters and friends who have been partners with us in building Asian Aid to what it is today. I am excited by the possibilities and blessings that lie ahead.