Les Twentyman dies: Long-time street youth worker praised for giving ‘voice to the voiceless’

Prominent Melbourne youth worker Les Twentyman has died at the age of 76.

His death was announced on Saturday in a statement from the Les Twentyman Foundation.

“Les inspired us all with his lifelong commitment 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 most difficult time.”

Mr Twentyman was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1994 for his services to youth as an outreach worker.

The Les Twentyman Foundation has been committed to engaging young people in their education, families and communities.

‘Vale Les Twentyman, one of Melbourne’s great characters. We were in touch this week and he worked until the end. Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, colleagues and all those he helped along the road less traveled,” Gov. Bill Shorten tweeted.

Les Twentyman (right) pictured at Father Bob Maguire’s state funeral in May 2023

“In his life, Les was never afraid to say what needed to be said. He gave a voice to the voiceless and leaves a legacy of helping the underprivileged and those in need that will live long after his extraordinary life,” the foundation said.

Mr Twentyman was born in 1948, the eldest of five children of fruit shop owners, and grew up in Melbourne’s western suburb of Braybrook.

He stood as 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.