'Heart as big as the country': Charity founder Father Chris Riley, dies at 70

Father Chris Riley has died at the age of 70 after a battle with illness.

Born in Victoria, Father Riley relocated to Sydney and became well known for founding the not-for-profit organisation Youth Off The Streets in 1991.

Youth Off The Streets supports young people experiencing homelessness and other harships, and expanded from a small operation in Sydney's King's Cross to a much larger program Australia-wide.

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Riley was the CEO of the charity until 2020. For his services to disadvantaged youth, he was appointed as a member of the Order of Australia in 2006.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Riley, praising his spirit and the legacy his work has left.

"Father Chris Riley had a heart as big as the country he served," he said.

"He gave hope to young people doing it tough and never gave up on anyone.

"He was a good friend and his legacy will live on in the lives he changed."

NSW Premier Chris Minns was also quick to laud the work Riley did to help disadvantaged youth in the state.

"In founding Youth Off The Streets in 1991, he turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap around support services," Minns said.

"Father 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."

Riley was also awarded the Human Rights Medal from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, and was nominated for the NSW Australian of the Year Award in 2012.

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He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Western Sydney (now Western Sydney University) in 2010.

A Roman Catholic priest and a member of the Salesian order, Riley had been battling ill health for many years, being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2019.

He eventually moved into respite care on the advice of medical professionals, according to a statement by the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay.

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In a statement released today, CEO of Youth Off The Street Judy Barraclough praised Riley for his work with the organisation.

"Father Riley's dedication to supporting and empowering young Australians in need has left a powerful legacy," she said.

"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."

Anne Fitzgerald, Chairperson of Youth Off The Streets' Board said Riley would be remembered for his services to the young people of Sydney and Australia.

"He was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives," she said.

"Father Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential."

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