BREAKING NEWS: The Riek brothers, Mar and Moses, are on a mission to change lives and combat gang culture in Australia, sharing their powerful stories of redemption and hope. Just released from prison last year, Moses, alongside Mar, is actively mentoring youth and advocating for alternatives to street life, emphasizing the urgent need for community support and empowerment.
Born in Sudan and arriving in Australia in 2005, the brothers faced significant challenges after their family settled in Pakenham. Growing up in a single-parent household, they struggled with identity and direction. Mar recalls, “I see my testimony as a blueprint and a pathway out of the streets and trouble.”
Their journey into a life of crime began early, with Mar involved in petty theft and drug dealing by age 13. He formed a gang with other Sudanese youth, navigating rivalries that stemmed from tribal affiliations. Mar reflects, “The streets are dead. No longevity, no generational wealth, no proud parents.” Meanwhile, Moses, once a promising basketball player, found himself entrenched in crime after a hip injury derailed his sports career. His trajectory culminated in a home invasion in Wantirna South in 2020, resulting in a 4.5-year prison sentence.
Both brothers experienced life-altering wake-up calls. Mar was jolted by the tragic deaths of peers, prompting him to reassess his choices. Moses found his turning point during incarceration, engaging in rehabilitation programs that helped him rebuild his identity. “I learned to navigate corporate spaces and now work with government organizations,” Moses stated.
Today, the Riek brothers are committed to uplifting their community. Mar leads music programs at Next Generation Unite, while both co-founded 1038 The Collective, a record label aimed at empowering young creatives in Pakenham. Their initiatives are designed to inspire youth, promoting financial literacy, self-improvement, and faith-based living.
Moses emphasizes the need for resilience, stating, “Don’t give up on your dreams. The streets may have taken some paths from me, but they didn’t take my purpose.” The brothers are determined to show young people that there are viable alternatives to gang life. They advocate for long-term thinking and moral integrity, hoping to empower others to prioritize their futures.
In their mission, the Riek brothers are challenging the generational cycle of gang involvement. They aim to leave a lasting mark by mentoring youth and creating new opportunities. Their story is a testament to the power of change and the importance of community support in steering young people away from violence and towards a brighter future.
As they continue their journey, Mar and Moses Riek are shining examples of resilience and hope. Their message is clear: change is possible, and it starts with believing in oneself. Together, they are proving that even those who have walked dark paths can emerge as leaders and role models, inspiring others to forge their own paths away from the streets.
