Father Riley will address patrons at the Australia Day Awards and citizenship ceremony on Australia Day January 26, Monday week.

He has worked with disadvantaged youth for more than 30 years as among other roles teacher, probation officer, residential carer and principal.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the ambassador's appearance would be a highlight of the Australia Day formal proceedings.

``Liverpool Council is privileged to have Father Riley as the ambassador for 2009,'' Cr Waller said. ``A special citizenship ceremony will also be held on Australia Day with 45 people becoming Australian citizens and I'd like to extend my congratulations to these individuals and families.

``Father Riley's contribution to communities worldwide reflects what's great about our country and our people.''

As chief executive officer of Youth Off The Streets, Father Riley oversees the operation of 20 programs that employ 150 people and involve more than 800 volunteers.

He has implemented behaviour-modification strategies to help young people deal with a history of trauma, abuse and neglect.

Youth Off The Streets has become one of the largest youth services in Australia.

It offers residential rehabilitation as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation, counselling, street-based programs, Aboriginal services, education and family support facilities.

Father Riley says there's no such thing as a child born bad but he acknowledges there are bad environments, circumstances and families that have a negative impact on young people.