5 September 2006: World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) today announced the appointment of Mr Jim Hanna as the Director of Communications for World Youth Day Sydney 2008, starting this week.

Mr Hanna will assume responsibility for delivering all media and communication requirements for the WYD08 celebrations in Sydney in July 2008.

WYD08 will be the largest youth event organised by the Catholic Church in Australia. It is expected to attract 500,000 pilgrims and a world-wide media contingent to rival that which covered the 2000 Olympic Games.

WYD08 will also mark the first visit to Australia of Pope Benedict XVI.

Mr Hanna has some 20 years experience in journalism, media training and media advisory roles. He started his career as a radio journalist in 1986 and has worked in various roles with the ABC and SBS.

He joined Australian Associated Press (AAP) in 1996, reporting on business, sport, economics and politics in the Canberra and NSW State and Federal parliaments.

Most recently, Mr Hanna was a senior media advisor in the NSW State Government.

Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Coordinator of World Youth Day 2008 welcomed Mr Hanna.

"The Director of Communications is a vital role in the delivery of a successful World Youth Day and we look forward to drawing on Jim's experience across the many demanding aspects of this role".

"Since April this year when we received the World Youth Day Cross and Icon of Our Lady in St Peter's Square, the world has been watching Australia begin its preparation for 2008."

"Effective communications to our local and global audiences is a very important part of our event preparations. I am very confident that the communications strategies developed under Jim's guidance will prepare people well and contribute to a most memorable World Youth Day 2008".

Media information and the latest news on WYD08 activities and preparations can be found at www.wyd2008.org

Media contact: Carolyn Grant @ Avviso PR for World Youth Day Sydney 2008
Ph: (02) 9368 7277
Mob: 0407 898 727
E: media@wyd2008.org or carolyng@avviso.com.au