Remembering Father Chris Riley: A Lifelong Advocate for Australia's Youth
It’s with a heavy heart that we mark the passing of Father Chris Riley, the well-known Catholic priest and founder of Youth Off The Streets , who died at the age of 70 after a long battle with illness. His passing has not only left a gap in the Church but also in the lives of thousands of disadvantaged young Australians who were touched by his compassion, dedication, and tireless advocacy.
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Born in Victoria and later based in Sydney, Father Riley became a household name after launching the charity Youth Off The Streets back in 1991. What began as a modest outreach program in the heart of Sydney's King's Cross soon evolved into a large-scale operation serving communities across New South Wales and Queensland. His mission was simple but profound: to provide care, support, and opportunity to young people facing homelessness, addiction, abuse, or poverty. And over the years, that mission turned into a life’s work.
Father Riley didn’t just talk about change—he built it. He served as CEO of the charity for nearly 30 years, only stepping down in 2022 due to ongoing health issues. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2019, he eventually entered respite care as his condition worsened. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by the enduring legacy of the work he began more than three decades ago.
His impact was widely recognised. He was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 for his service to youth, and later received a Human Rights Medal and an honorary doctorate from Western Sydney University. In 2012, he was nominated as the NSW Australian of the Year—an honour that reflected the deep respect he had earned across the country.
Tributes have poured in. Judy Barraclough, current CEO of Youth Off The Streets, spoke of his vision and relentless drive, saying his legacy would continue to guide the organisation’s work. Anne Fitzgerald, chair of the board, remembered him as a tireless advocate whose belief in the potential of every young person never wavered.
To many, Father Chris Riley was more than a priest—he was a lifeline, a mentor, a champion of the forgotten. He believed that no child should be written off, and he devoted his life to making sure they weren’t.
Though he’s gone, his impact will live on through the countless lives he helped shape. His story is a reminder of what one person can do when they choose to stand beside those society often overlooks.
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