Tributes are pouring in for Catholic priest and charity worker Father Chris Riley who has died aged 70.
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Father Riley founded Youth Off the Streets in 1991 with a single food van serving meals to the homeless in Sydney's CBD.
The charity expanded rapidly, now supporting homeless and vulnerable young people right across NSW and Queensland with crisis accommodation, counselling and wrap-around support services.
Father Riley died in his home after a long battle with illness, the charity said.
He had stepped down from his role as CEO in 2020 and transitioned into the role of founder and executive director, before retiring in 2022 due to ongoing health issues. He remained a passionate advocate for young people.
He was born in the regional town of Echuca, on the Victorian border with NSW, and grew up on a dairy farm.
Youth Off The Streets chair Anne Fitzgerald said Father Riley was a "tireless advocate" for disadvantaged youth and changed thousands of young people's lives.
"Father Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential," she 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," he said.
Liberal Leader Mark Speakman echoed those sentiments, writing he was "very saddened" at the news on X.
"He was a champion for the homeless, the disposed and the vulnerable," he wrote.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Father Riley was a good friend with "a heart as big as the country he served".
"He gave hope to young people doing it tough and never gave up on anyone," Mr Albanese said.
"His legacy will live on in the lives he changed."
Aaron McLeigh wrote on Facebook that he lived at Youth Off the Streets accommodation for four years as a teenager.
"I owe so much to that man," he wrote.
Father Riley was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to disadvantaged youth in 2006.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
