Who was Father Chris Riley?
The truth was that an incredible Australian Catholic priest and youth advocate was Father Chris Riley. Born in 1954, in Echuca, Victoria, he gave himself to the service of marginalised young people.
He was ordained in 1982 as a Salesian. Before starting his charity, he taught, worked with youth, and was a chaplain.
No kid was ever born bad, in his words. That was the philosophy underlining every intervention he and his team did for homeless and at-risk youth. Since 1991,
Fr Chris Riley created Youth Off The Streets, a charity that would change the lives of thousands of youths.
Father Chris Riley, born in 1954 in Echuca, was a tireless advocate for marginalised Australian youth.
How did Youth Off The Streets begin?
Launched in 1991 with a single food van in Kings Cross, Sydney, The ministry was served through Fr Riley, feeding youngsters working the streets and listening to their stories.
This hands-on approach by Father Riley set the foundation for how the charity would operate. Levels of support increased dramatically, and more volunteers joined the ranks.
Activities of Youth Off The Streets increased over time to cover many different areas. Known for its rapid growth in demand for services, by 2025 it had a workforce of over 200 staff from New South Wales to Queensland.
While providing education, crisis accommodation, addiction treatment, and mental health services. Until 2021, it was run by Fr Riley, who is retiring because of the progression, and he exited the board a year later in 2022.
Fr Riley began his youth mission in 1991 with one food van in Kings Cross.
Why was he nationally honoured?
Father Chris Riley was that much nationally recognized due to his commitment to youth welfare. In 2006, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
This was in recognition of his exceptional service to young Australians who were disadvantaged. In 2012, he was a finalist for the NSW Australian of the Year Award.
His work also earned him honorary doctorate degrees as well as the Australian Human Rights Medal. Fr Riley, nevertheless, never allowed any accolades to discourage his focus on practical change.
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, “Chris had a heart as big as the country.” The NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “His vision, drive, and compassion for every young person were far reaching.”
When did Father Chris Riley die?
One of the sorrowful days in Australia saw the demise of Fr Chris Riley on 1 August, 2025, aged 70. After a long illness, he passed away at home amongst close friends and colleagues. This was announced through a statement from Youth Off The Streets.
The statement read: “The saddest part of our grief is that we cannot thank this man enough for his extraordinary life and service.” This has set off the tide of national grief and appreciation. The funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
What made him different?
Fr Chris Riley combined social leadership with personal commitment. He didn’t separate management from service: he was walking around with the kids he was helping. His passion generally took him up against the bureaucracy, rallying government action.
He believed in rehabilitation through education and healing emotions. Many of his programs were trauma-informed and socially culturally appropriate. He was also involved in Indigenous youth initiatives and LGBTQI+ inclusion.
His uncompromising belief in a second chance brought hope to many abandoned children. He never saw the work as charity; it was justice.
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Youth Off The Streets moves ahead
The mission of Father Chris Riley will go on. Youth Off The Streets is still a highly respected national charity with strong community ties.
Today it serves over 28,000 young people annually. “Chris’s value and voice still guide every decision we make,” says lex nadine, CEO.
The organisation is moving into early intervention and employment pathways programs. Programs for mental health and family reunification will soon be added.
Thousands of tributes poured in via the internet from ex-students and families. Their messages spoke about lives saved, addictions overcome, and futures rebuilt.
