Australia Day nomination highlights Riley's charity actions

Founder and chief executive officer of the well-known nonprofit Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) Father Chris Riley was one of the national finalists for the Australian of the Year awards.

Beginning in 1991 with a food van to deliver meals to the homeless in Kings Cross, Sydney, the non-denominational Australian charity now helps to support young people between the ages of 12 and 21 to overcome a range of challenges and become productive members of society.

To this end YOTS offers a range of services including crisis accommodation, counselling, substance rehabilitation, accredited education programs and mentoring initiatives.

The good work done by the organisation has not gone unnoticed, with Riley estimating that over 50,000 young people have been able to receive support due to the actions of both the 200 staff members and 800 volunteers that keep the charity running.

In recognition of all his hard work over the last 21 years, the priest was the NSW Australian of the Year nominee.

Presented to eminent citizens in celebration of their achievements and contributions to society, these accolades have been presented every year on Australia Day since 1960.

While Riley did not receive the national award in 2012 - the trophy instead went to Geoffrey Rush - the priest was made the NSW Australian of the Year.

In his good-humoured manner, Riley said he preferred to count success in terms of the number of people who received much-needed support, but still welcomed the increase in public attention.

"Personally awards mean very little to me, but for my organisation it is great to know that many people believe in the work we do," Riley told the Parramatta Sun on January 26.

"I don't deserve it when I think of the thousands of amazing people who give without reward day after day: the members of Lions, Rotary, Catholic Women's League and the Country Women's Association and many, many more."

"They are the true heroes of this country."

Having previously been awarded the Human Rights Medal and received the prime minister's Award for Excellence - twice - Riley said that he was more interested in delivering a message to Australian families.

"There is no such thing as a child born bad - there are bad circumstances, environments and families."

Among the many communication avenues utilised by the charity organisation to interact with the public, online channels such as Facebook and YouTube feature prominently on the community group's dedicated website.

In addition, the pages provide easy access to news nonprofit marketing activities such as a new TV ad featuring Riley, as well as links through to the organisation's merchandise page, where the public can buy cards, hampers and books to support the efforts of the charity.