Sydney youth service founder Father Chris Riley dies age 70
The Catholic Priest was best known for his work as the founder of Youth Off the Streets in Sydney.
His death was announced on the service's Instagram page on Friday afternoon, following a 'long period of ill health'.
Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Father Riley, describing him as having 'a heart as big as the country he served'.
'He gave hope to young people doing it tough and never gave up on anyone,' he said.
'He was a good friend and his legacy will live on in the lives he changed.'
Education Minister Jason Clare said Father Riley had 'saved and changed the lives of thousands and thousands of young Australians' and the news of his death was 'devastating'.
'It was an honour to call him my friend.'
NSW Premier Chris Minns marked his death with 'profound sadness', noting his 'visionary' work had 'changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people across New South Wales'.
'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,' Mr 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.'
NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman offered his condolences to those close to Father Riley, a man he referred to as a 'champion for the homeless, the disposed and the vulnerable'.
Youth off the Streets now has more than 200 staff members and offers education pathways to disadvantaged children and young people across NSW and Queensland.
According to the foundation's website, 1607 homeless young people are provided with housing and 1232 First Nations Australians are provided with support services each year.
Youth off the Streets chairperson Anne Fitzgerald said Father Riley was a 'tireless advocate' for disadvantaged young people.
'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.
Youth off the Streets CEO Judy Barraclough said Father Riley's dedication had left a 'powerful legacy'.
'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.'
Originally published as Sydney youth service founder Father Chris Riley dies age 70
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A prominent youth support worker and priest, Father Chris Riley, has died aged 70. The Catholic Priest was best known for his work as the founder of Youth Off the Streets in Sydney. His death was announced on the service's Instagram page on Friday afternoon, following a 'long period of ill health'. Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Father Riley, describing him as having 'a heart as big as the country he served'. 'He gave hope to young people doing it tough and never gave up on anyone,' he said. 'He was a good friend and his legacy will live on in the lives he changed.' Education Minister Jason Clare said Father Riley had 'saved and changed the lives of thousands and thousands of young Australians' and the news of his death was 'devastating'. 'It was an honour to call him my friend.' NSW Premier Chris Minns marked his death with 'profound sadness', noting his 'visionary' work had 'changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people across New South Wales'. '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,' Mr 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.' NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman offered his condolences to those close to Father Riley, a man he referred to as a 'champion for the homeless, the disposed and the vulnerable'. Youth off the Streets now has more than 200 staff members and offers education pathways to disadvantaged children and young people across NSW and Queensland. According to the foundation's website, 1607 homeless young people are provided with housing and 1232 First Nations Australians are provided with support services each year. Youth off the Streets chairperson Anne Fitzgerald said Father Riley was a 'tireless advocate' for disadvantaged young people. '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. Youth off the Streets CEO Judy Barraclough said Father Riley's dedication had left a 'powerful legacy'. '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.' Originally published as Sydney youth service founder Father Chris Riley dies age 70
