Youth Off The Streets founder Father Chris Riley AM dies aged 70

Father Chris Riley AM, founder of the charity Youth Off The Streets, has died at the age of 70.

Riley passed away at his home on Thursday following a long battle with illness, the charity said in a statement.

“The Youth Off The Streets family mourns the loss of our founder, Father Chris Riley,” said Anne Fitzgerald, Chairperson of Youth Off The Streets’ Board.

“He was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives.

“Father Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”

Riley was one of Australia’s most prominent advocates for disadvantaged young people.

Born in Echuca, Victoria, in 1954, he was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1982 before relocating to Sydney, where he established Youth Off The Streets in 1991.

He began by providing meals to young people experiencing homelessness from a single food van in Sydney’s inner city.

Riley dedicated more than 30 years to serving as the organisation’s CEO, supporting young people facing homelessness, abuse, addiction, and involvement in crime.

He was recognised as Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2006 for his work supporting disadvantaged youth.

In 2020, he transitioned to the Board as Founder and Executive Director, before stepping down in 2022 due to illness.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remembered Riley as someone who “had a heart as big as the country he served”.

“He gave hope to young people doing it tough and never gave up on anyone,” Albanese said on social media.

“He was a good friend and his legacy will live on in the lives he changed.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns extended his “heartfelt condolences” to Riley’s family in a statement on Friday.

“It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Father Chris Riley AM, whose visionary work changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people across NSW,” Minns said.

“In founding Youth Off The Streets in 1991, he turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap around support services.

“Father Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity young lives can be transformed.”

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said on social media he was “very saddened” by Father Chris Riley’s passing.

“He was a champion for the homeless, the disposed and the vulnerable,” he said.

“I extend my condolences to his family, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched.”

Current CEO of Youth Off The Streets, Judy Barraclough, said the organisation would continue its mission under the legacy Father Riley left behind.

“Father Riley’s dedication to supporting and empowering young Australians in need has left a powerful legacy,” Barraclough said.

“His vision, drive and determination will continue to inspire our organisation as we strive to provide growing numbers of disadvantaged children and young people with safety, support and education for a better future.”