Father Chris Riley, Youth Advocate, Dies at 70

Father Chris Riley AM, renowned Catholic priest and founder of Youth Off The Streets, has died at age 70 after a prolonged illness. He founded the charity in 1991, starting with a food van in Sydney’s Kings Cross and expanding it into a national network providing crisis accommodation, counselling, and support services for homeless and disadvantaged youth. Riley served as CEO of the organization until 2020. He was celebrated for his compassion and belief in giving every young person a chance, earning honors including the Order of Australia, the Human Rights Medal, and an honorary doctorate. Political leaders, charity heads, and the broader community have paid tribute to his visionary work and enduring legacy. His advocacy and dedication changed the lives of tens of thousands of young Australians.