Leading Melbourne youth social worker Les Twentyman has died aged 76.
His death was announced on Saturday in a statement from the Les Twentyman Foundation.
“He inspired us all with his lifelong dedication to helping those in need and his profound contribution to our community has positively changed the lives of thousands of young Victorians and their families,” it said.
“Our thoughts, love and prayers are with Les’ wife Cherie and his family at this very difficult time.”
Prominent Melbourne youth social worker Les Twentyman has died aged 76. His death was announced in a statement from the Les Twentyman Foundation on Saturday.
Mr Twentyman was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in 1994 for his service to youth as a social worker.
The Les Twentyman Foundation worked to engage young people with their education, their families and their community.
‘Okay Les Twentyman, one of Melbourne’s great characters. We were in contact just this week and he worked until the end. Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone he helped on their road less travelled,” tweeted government leader Bill Shorten.
Les Twentyman (right) pictured at Father Bob Maguire’s state funeral in May 2023.
“In life, Les was never afraid to say what needed to be said, gave a voice to the voiceless, and leaves a legacy of helping the disadvantaged and needy that will live long beyond his extraordinary life,” the foundation said. .
Born the eldest of five children of greengrocer owners in 1948, Mr Twentyman was raised in Braybrook, a western suburb of Melbourne.
He was a candidate for the upper house of the Victorian parliament in 1992 and 1996 and for the lower house in the 2008 Kororoit by-election.
