Champion of Melbourne’s west, Les Twentyman, dies aged 76

Described as an inspiration, the 2006 Victorian of the Year was a champion for Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Victorian Youth advocate Les Twentyman has died aged 76.

His passing was reported by the Les Twentyman Foundation on Saturday morning. Mr Twentyman was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in 1994, and advocated for social justice causes through the Les Twentyman foundation for more than 30 years.

The Les Twentyman Foundation confirmed his passing on Saturday morning. Picture: Tony Gough

“It has been a great shock today; 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,” Les Twentyman Foundation CEO Paul Burke 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.

“Les was a great man, larger than life and it has been an absolute honour to work with Les through the Les Twentyman Foundation and 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.”

“On behalf of the Les Twentyman Foundation and all who knew and loved Les we encourage everyone in the community to take a moment to acknowledge Les’s incredible life and contribution to the youth of our nation.”

Born in Braybrook in 1948, Mr Twentyman went on to fight for prison reform and social welfare, while advocating for those afflicted by youth homelessness and drug abuse issues.

“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,” a statement from the foundation reads.

“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.

“He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.”

Les Twentyman fought against the rising number of youth in Melbourne’s gangs, and pushed for a ban on the sale of machetes. Picture: Tony Gough

NDIS Minister and former Labor leader Bill Shorten paid tribute to his fellow Victorian.

“Vale Les Twentyman, one of Melbourne’s big characters,” Mr Shorten said on Twitter.

“We were in contact just this week and he worked right up til the last. Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, colleagues and all the people he helped along his road less travelled.”

Mr Twentyman was the 2006 Victorian of the Year.

An avid Western Bulldogs supporter, he taught AFL in Melbourne’s western suburbs where he worked as a schoolteacher.

A cause of death was not provided. He is survived by his wife, Cherie.