Sydney Memorial for Father Chris Riley AM

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.

Key Points:

After the passing of Youth Off The Streets founder Father Chris Riley AM on August 1, a memorial honouring his life and legacy has been set in Sydney for this coming Monday at 11am.

Youth Off The Streets has said “due to the anticipated high level of public interest in this event, registration to attend is essential”.

For those wishing to attend in person, you will need to register via youthoffthestreets.com.au.

Organisers have asked attendees to wear “respectful attire” with the option to wear black and white — “the colours of Father Riley’s AFL team, Collingwood”.

The service will also be livestreamed, with more details to come.

“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

READ: Father Chris Riley AM: 1954-2025

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About Father Chris Riley AM

Youth Off The Street said Father Riley was “committed to supporting young people since his teens”.

“Prior to establishing Youth Off The Streets, he worked as a teacher, youth worker, probation officer, residential carer and school principal,” their statement said.

“In 2006, Father Riley was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to disadvantaged young people. The same year, he received the Human Rights Medal from the then Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

“In 2010, Father Riley was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Western Sydney in recognition of his work. He was named NSW Australian of the Year in 2012.

“In 2020, after almost thirty years at the helm, Father Riley stepped down as CEO and transitioned into the role of Founder and Executive Director.

“In December 2022, he retired from the Board due to ongoing health issues. Until his passing on 1 August 2025, Father Riley remained a committed advocate for supporting and empowering young people in need to reach their full potential.”

Youth Off The Streets is a not-for-profit youth services organisation that supports 12–24-year-olds experiencing or at risk of homelessness and complex disadvantage.

Feature image: Supplied (Youth Off The Streets)