Advocate for homeless and drug dependent youth Salesian, Fr Chris Riley, has rejected suggestions from a local politician he is causing community division in the south-western New South Wales town of Griffith.
The suggestions came after the well known priest established a branch of his youth organisation in the town.
Fr Riley has been a regular visitor to Griffith following the fatal street assault of one of the town’s youth in the early hours of New Year’s Day this year.
In April his Youth Off The Streets service commenced work in the community.
Fr Riley had previously been reported as saying his group found eight children who were going to prostitute themselves before it intervened and took them home.
Griffith mayor Dino Zappacosta said he did not believe the allegation was as bad as was being suggested.
“I think Fr Riley is causing division in the community again,” he told local newspaper The Area News.
When contacted by The Catholic Leader Fr Riley initially declined to comment but then responded to Mr Zappacosta’s criticism of his work.
“The whole community of Griffith is saying thank goodness these issues are finally being brought out in the open,” Fr Riley said.
He said he would make further public comments on the situation in Griffith after the service had been operating in the community for a few more months.
