Father Chris Riley AM: 1954-2025

“Father Chris Riley’s dream of helping young people experiencing disadvantage began with a single food van delivering meals to homeless youth in Sydney’s Kings Cross.” – Youth Off the Streets

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UPDATE: A memorial service honouring the life and legacy of Father Chris Riley AM will be held at The William Inglis Hotel in Warwick Farm, Sydney on Monday 18 August 2025. Registration is essential. For more information, read Sydney Memorial for Father Chris Riley AM.

Father Chris Riley AM, the priest who founded and built Youth Off The Streets into one of Australia’s largest youth service organisations, has died today at home, aged 70.

His passing marks the end of a life lived wholly in service to disadvantaged young people across the nation.

Faith Riley’s youth

Born Christopher Keith Riley on 24 November 1954 in Echuca, Victoria, Father Riley grew up on a dairy farm before answering a vocation inspired by the 1938 film Boys’ Town. At 15 he resolved to become a priest to care for young people cast aside by society.

Becoming a priest

In 1982 he was ordained as a Salesian priest and took roles that ranged from teacher and youth worker to residential carer and eventually principal at charity Boys’ Town in Sydney.

He left Boys’ Town in 1991 to establish Youth Off The Streets with a single food van serving homeless youth in Kings Cross. “Father Riley has always believed that there is no such thing as a “child born bad”, but instead there are harmful environments, circumstances and families that can negatively impact a young person,” Youth Off The Streets states.

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From those humble beginnings, the organisation expanded into a national non-denominational charity offering crisis accommodation, residential rehabilitation, drug and alcohol services, counselling, Aboriginal and cultural support, and education programs.

In 1997, Father Riley opened Key College in Redfern, pioneering flexible schooling models to reconnect young people with education.

Under his leadership, Youth Off The Streets employed more than 220 staff and worked with more than 300 volunteers, delivering 25-plus programs and helping an estimated 150,000 young Australians during his tenure, 9now reported four years ago when Father Riley was forced to step back from his work after falling ill.

Recognition for his dedication

He was recognised for his incredible endeavours, being made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 and received the Human Rights Medal. In 2010, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Western Sydney and, in 2012, he was named New South Wales Australian of the Year.

In early 2021 he entered respite care after a battle with diabetes and related complications.

How he will be remembered

According to The Catholic Weekly, “those who knew him remember a man of fierce compassion, unwavering faith, and singular dedication to young people. He eschewed titles and ceremony. His office was the streets, and his congregation was comprised of young people seeking a second chance”.

“As he once said, ‘A life without the kids is pretty worthless”.

Youth Off The Streets is determined to carry forward his vision.

“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,” Youth Off The Streets CEO Judy Barraclough said.

For Youth Off The Streets’ tribute, read Vale, Father Chris Riley AM.

Feature image: Supplied (Youth Off The Streets)