‘True son of the west’ farewelled at state funeral
Mourners donned the Western Bulldogs’ colours of blue, red and white as veteran youth worker and social justice advocate Les Twentyman was farewelled at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne on Tuesday.
The state funeral paid tribute to Mr Twentyman’s lifetime of service helping young and disadvantaged Victorians.
Mr Twentyman OAM died last month, aged 76.
Known for decades of social work in Melbourne’s west, Mr Twentyman dedicated his life to uplifting vulnerable young Victorians and disadvantaged communities.
He was an advocate for issues such as youth homelessness, alcohol and drug addiction, prison reform, youth justice and social welfare and implemented support programs through the Les Twentyman Foundation.
Alongside his wife Cherie, his siblings, family and friends were Governor Margaret Gardner, Premier Jacinta Allan and NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, who was a pallbearer.
Singer Angry Anderson and underworld figure Mick Gatto rubbed shoulders with state ministers, ex-premiers Steve Bracks and Jeff Kennett and former governor Linda Dessau at the service. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge lay a Bulldogs scarf in tribute.
The Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Monsignor Stuart Hall, described Mr Twentyman as “a man who dedicated his life to kindness, who was generous with his time, his energy and his spirit.”
“Les was a friend to some of Victoria’s most vulnerable,” he said. “He spoke up for those without a voice.
“He helped so many, especially young people, find their way to a brighter future.”
Ms Allan said it was a rite of passage for every youth affairs minister to meet and greet the “great Les Twentyman”. “He simply refused to give up on his kids or allowed them to give up on themselves,” she said.
She said Mr Twentyman was a “true son of the west” and “protective of his working class roots”.