Father Chris Riley has passed away at the age 70. AAP Image/Lukas Coch.
Father Chris Riley, known for his work helping disadvantaged youth, has passed away at the age of 70.
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Born in Echuca, Fr Riley was the founder of Youth Off The Streets, a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and young people in need.
Following a long period of ill-health, the organisation confirmed he had died at home on Thursday, July 31.
Fr Chris Riley pictured with his dog, Magpie, in 2015.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remembered Fr Riley as a “good friend” with “a heart as big as the country”.
Youth Off The Streets chair Anne Fitzegarald said the organisation was mourning the loss of its founder.
“He was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives,” she said.
“Fr Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”
The organisation began in 1991 with a single food van that served meals to young people experiencing homelessness in Sydney’s inner-city.
Now, it has over 220 staff members dedicated to helping people aged 12 to 24 in NSW and Queensland, offering support services and education opportunities.
Fr Riley served as the organisation’s chief executive for nearly three decades before moving on to its board in 2020.
He stepped down from his role as executive director in 2022 due to illness.
Fr Chris Riley at Alton Reserve with some of the children who joined the celebration of a new op-shop opening in Echuca, 1999.
Photo by
Riverine Herald
Serving as the organisation's chief executive for three decades, Fr Riley had the ear of several prime ministers, including Julia Gillard, and prominent movie stars such as Eric Bana, who lent their support as ambassadors to Youth Off the Streets.
NSW Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to the priest's “visionary” work that changed the lives of thousands of young people across the state.
“Fr 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,” he said.
Youth Off The Streets chief executive Judy Barraclough said Fr Riley’s dedication had left a powerful legacy.
“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,” she said.
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