Retired gang members Mar and Moses Riek have turned their tumultuous pasts into a powerful message of hope for disadvantaged youth. In a candid conversation, they shared their journey from a life of crime to one dedicated to community mentorship and empowerment. Their story serves as a testament to the possibility of change and the importance of resilience.
Born in Sudan, the Riek family fled civil war and arrived in Australia in 2005. Initially settling in Sydney, they later moved to Pakenham after their parents’ separation. Growing up in a single-parent household, the brothers faced instability and challenges while trying to carve out their identities.
From an early age, both Mar and Moses excelled in sports. Moses showed promise as a junior basketball player, earning a spot in the NBL Combine and preparing for a tour in the United States. However, an injury abruptly ended his aspirations. Mar also nurtured ambitions in basketball, but both brothers found themselves drawn into the temptations of street life.
Mar’s journey into crime began with petty theft, bike stealing, and selling drugs. By age 13, he had formed a gang with other Sudanese youth in South East Melbourne, navigating rivalries shaped by tribal and geographic divisions. Reflecting on his past, Mar stated, “I realize it wasn’t truly me. Thank the good lord I never was imprisoned or faced court for any of my actions in my past; I always escaped death and prison.”
Moses took a different path, one that led to deeper involvement in crime. After a hip injury curtailed his basketball career, he drifted away from school and family. His descent into petty crime escalated, influenced by older gang leaders, culminating in a home invasion in Wantirna South in 2020. This act led to a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence, a pivotal moment for both brothers.
The deaths of two young peers, Dau and Chol, marked a turning point for Mar. He recognized the futility of the violent culture he had once embraced. “The streets are dead,” he remarked. “There are no results to show for the effort our families have put in to assimilate to this country.”
In prison, Moses found his moment of transformation. He participated in rehabilitation programs, eventually reclassifying to minimum security, which allowed him to rebuild his identity. Despite setbacks, including a broken leg that dashed his dreams in both boxing and basketball, he pursued education in civil construction and a military preparation course.
Both brothers credit their newfound sense of purpose as the catalyst for change. Today, they channel their experiences into mentorship and community initiatives. Mar leads music programs at Next Generation Unite, while both brothers co-founded 1038 The Collective, a record label aimed at empowering young creatives in Pakenham.
Mar uses his platform to advocate for community development and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of faith. Moses, who was released from prison last year, collaborates with various government organizations and is part of the South Sudanese Expert Working Group within the Department of Justice. He mentors youth involved in the justice system, guiding them to navigate support services and engage with programs that create new opportunities.
“I see my testimony as a blueprint and a pathway out of the streets and trouble,” Moses expressed. He encourages young people to reach out for support, underscoring the significance of mentorship. Both brothers highlight the necessity of demonstrating that alternatives to gang life exist.
Mar stresses the importance of staying true to one’s morals and thinking long-term, hoping to empower others to prioritize their futures. Moses adds, “Don’t give up on your dreams. The streets may have taken some paths from me, but they didn’t take my purpose.”
Through their work, the Riek brothers aspire to challenge the generational cycle of gang involvement. They aim to leave a lasting impact by mentoring youth and creating opportunities, proving that even those who have walked dark paths can become leaders and role models in their communities.
