One of Victoria's most well-known youth workers, Les Twentyman, has died aged 76.
The Les Twentyman Foundation announced his passing in a statement, saying "Les inspired us all with his lifelong dedication to helping those in need".
"In life Les was never afraid to say what was needed to be said, he gave a voice to the voiceless and leaves a legacy of helping the disadvantaged and those in need that will live long past his extraordinary life," it said.
It said his contribution to the community positively changed the lives of thousands of young Victorians and their families and he would be profoundly missed.
For more than four decades, Mr Twentyman helped homeless and at-risk youth alongside a team of youth workers that make up his foundation.
"Les gives a voice to the voiceless," the foundation said.
"Shining a light on emerging youth issues and [Les] has accompanied the Governor General of Australia, government ministers and leaders of industry to the 'dark streets' of Melbourne."
Some of those issues included drug abuse, prison reform and social welfare.
Les Twentyman Foundation chief executive Paul Burke said he was shocked by the news.
"It was only yesterday that Les was looking to find shoes and clothes for a family in need and talking about flying to the US for filming of a documentary he had been working on," he said.
He described Mr Twentyman as "a great man, larger than life".
"We will continue his work in helping young people to a brighter future and will ensure that his passing will not be the end of his legacy," he said.
"To his wife Cherie and family, we pass on our love and condolences and will throw our arms around them as they deal with this difficult time — we are all heartbroken."
A 'social justice warrior' whose work saved lives
Mr Twentyman was "raised tough" in Melbourne's western suburb of Braybrook, "an upbringing that led Les to dedicating his life to helping young Australians suffering from disadvantage".
He had a love for sport, working as a PE teacher earlier in his career and was a coach and player for the Yarraville VFL football team.
Passionate about the Western Bulldogs Football Club, he played a critical role alongside his cousin Peter Gordon in saving the club from its merger with Fitzroy in 1989 and had a lifelong association with the club.
"His passion for footy and our club was fierce and enduring," the Western Bulldogs said in a statement.
"The 2016 men's premiership meant an enormous amount to Les and in the days afterwards he wrote movingly about what a profound impact the win would have on the western suburbs and its people.
"His words about how the achievement would inspire people of the area to believe that 'with effort and belief anything is possible' could easily be applied to his own inspirational efforts and the legacy he leaves that will last for generations."
He helped create the Les Twentyman Foundation's 96ers basketball team, which gave hundreds of young Australians the opportunity to play sport, some of whom have gone to scholarships in America.
The youth worker and advocate received numerous accolades for his work, including an Order of Australia in 1994.
He was also named Victorian of the Year in 2006.
More recently, Mr Twentyman had been working on a documentary of his life with Australian television and film director Rod Hardy.
His foundation described him as "Australia's best-known youth worker and social justice warrior".
He even captured the attention of the Dalai Lama, who donated to his foundation.
Premier Jacinta Allan said Mr Twentyman made "an undoubtable contribution to our state".
"His work helped shape change at every level of government. He propelled progress, always demanding more and better," she said.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll expressed his deepest condolences in a tribute online.
"During my time in the portfolios of youth justice, crime prevention and education he was always helpful, reminding me to see the child first and focus on the causes of crime," Mr Carroll said.
"His work in early intervention saved lives."
Victoria's Opposition Leader John Pesutto said Mr Twentyman's work made "an enormous contribution to improving outcomes for the most vulnerable in our community".
"A fierce advocate on social justice issues, thousands of young and at-risk Victorians had their lives changed for the better due to the tireless efforts of Les and the foundation he established," he said.
"Victoria is a better place for the lifelong work and passion of Les Twentyman."
Maribyrnong City Council, which encompasses Braybrook where Mr Twentyman was raised, expressed its sadness at his passing.
"Raised in Braybrook, the prominent youth outreach worker and community activist dedicated his life to improving the lives of young people in Melbourne's west," the council posted in a tribute online.
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2024-03-30 01:38:26Z
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