JIM Hanna has been appointed director of communications for World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.
Mr Hanna will assume responsibility for delivering all media and communication requirements for the largest youth event ever organised by the Catholic Church in Australia.
Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher welcomed Mr Hanna’s appointment to the position.
“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,” Bishop Fisher said.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
World Youth Day 2008 is expected to attract 500,000 pilgrims and a worldwide media contingent to rival the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
It will also mark the first visit to Australia of Pope Benedict XVI.
Mr Hanna, who has about 20 years’ experience in journalism, media training and media advisory roles, began 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.
More recently Mr Hanna has been a senior media adviser with the NSW Government.
