Les Twentyman was a prominent figure in the western suburbs of Melbourne, known for his tireless advocacy for the disadvantaged and marginalized communities in the area. One of the individuals whose life was deeply impacted by Twentyman’s influence is Amanda Colomb, who credits him with providing her with the tools she needed to turn her life around. Colomb, who is now a disability support worker, recalls how Twentyman helped her secure her first house at the age of 18 and provided her with work opportunities to help her get on her feet. She acknowledges that without his intervention, she may have ended up in a very different place.
Twentyman’s impact extended beyond individual lives, earning him the title of an “icon of the west” from former premier Steve Bracks. Known for his ability to play on stereotypes of the working-class areas of the western suburbs to garner support for his causes, Twentyman was a key figure in efforts to save the Western Bulldogs from merging with Fitzroy in 1989. With an extraordinary community effort that raised over $1.5 million, the Bulldogs were ultimately saved, thanks in part to Twentyman’s fearless advocacy and dedication to the cause. Former Bulldogs president Peter Gordon, who worked alongside Twentyman during the Save the Dogs campaign, commends his cousin for his fearlessness and ability to hold his ground in meetings with government and sporting officials.
Despite his confrontational rhetoric, Twentyman also knew how to navigate the world of fundraising and ensure that his programs had the necessary financial support. He recognized the importance of private donations to supplement government funding for his initiatives. Twentyman’s outspoken advocacy on issues such as youth crime and drugs in the western suburbs often focused on the need for alternative solutions to incarceration for teenage offenders. Through the outreach programs he championed, he sought to provide support and guidance to vulnerable youth in the community.
Born in 1948 and raised in Braybrook as the eldest of five children, Twentyman’s upbringing in a working-class family shaped his commitment to social justice and community engagement. He began his career as an outreach worker at the City of Sunshine in 1984 and established his foundation in 1989, dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and families in the western suburbs. His efforts were recognized through various accolades, including being named Victorian of the Year in 2006 and receiving an Order of Australia in 1994 for his contributions to the community. Despite two unsuccessful attempts at running for parliament in the 1990s, Twentyman’s legacy as a fierce advocate for vulnerable communities in Melbourne’s west endures.
Les Twentyman’s passing is mourned by his wife, Cherie, and his step-children, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his advocacy work. The support and empowerment he provided to individuals like Amanda Colomb and the broader community in the western suburbs of Melbourne have left a lasting imprint on the social fabric of the region. As a fearless advocate for social justice and community welfare, Twentyman leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and dedication to serving those in need.
