Social worker Les Twentyman has died aged 76

Les Twentyman, one of Australia’s best known social workers, has died after a lifetime of helping troubled young people in Melbourne.

Tributes have flowed for youth and social justice campaigner Les Twentyman, honouring him as a Melbourne icon and a “truly great Australian”.

Mr Twentyman has died in Melbourne at the age of 76, his foundation announced on Saturday.

He set up the Les Twentyman Foundation to help vulnerable young people through education and outreach programs.

“Les 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,” the statement said.

Les Twentyman. Source: Instagram/Les Twentyman Foundation

“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.

“Our thoughts, love and prayers are with Les’s wife Cherie and his family at this most difficult time.”

Federal Government Service Minister Bill Shorten was among those paying tribute to Mr Twentyman, remembering him as “one of Melbourne’s big characters”.

“We were in contact just this week and he worked right up til the last,” Mr Shorten wrote.

“Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, colleagues and all the people he helped along his road less travelled.”

Mr Twentyman has been remembered for his tireless work for the disadvantaged. Source: Instagram/Les Twentyman Foundation

Footscray local member Katie Hall also offered her condolences, noting Mr Twentyman’s close association with the area and dubbed him a “true son of the west”.

“Les Twentyman dedicated his life to making change for young people,” she wrote.

“I loved his stories of Braybrook and football, but he had a real joy about him when he spoke about youth work and his foundation.

“From Christmas gifts to families that couldn’t afford them, text books for young people to be their best or a basketball tournament to engage kids through sport – Les was a champion for the people who needed him.

“Vale, Les. We are better and stronger for everything you did for us.

“My love to Les’ family, to everyone at the foundation and to the young people of the west – whose lives were changed forever because of his care.”

Les Twentyman has died in Melbourne at the age of 76. Source: Instagram/Les Twentyman Foundation

Controversial former politician Bernie Finn also memorialised Twentyman in a social media post and called him “one in a million” who will be “missed by so many”.

“I am devastated to learn of the passing of my dear friend ‘Sir’ Les Twentyman,” Mr Finn said.

“A man who could easily be patron Saint of the red wine industry, Les dedicated his life to lifting up those young people who had slipped through the cracks.

“He saved the lives of untold numbers and made the lives of God alone knows how many so much better.

“Many will look back on what could have been as they mourn his passing today.

“His mate Fr Bob was no doubt waiting at the Pearly Gates to welcome Sir Les to his eternal reward.”

Les Twentyman. Source: Instagram/Les Twentyman Foundation

Due to Mr Twentyman’s extensive work in Melbourne’s west, plenty of tributes have poured out from the area – including the City of Maribyrnong council which called him a “true warrior of the west”.

“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,” they said in a statement.

“The Les Twentyman Foundation he established, in the belief every child and young person, regardless of economic circumstances, race or gender, deserves and equal opportunity in life, has been providing support for at-risk youth for more than thirty years.”

Originally published as Social worker Les Twentyman has died aged 76