He might not be able to officially use the title “sir”, but Les Twentyman has been knighted in a unique fashion.
The prominent youth worker last week received the $10,000 Australian Knight award from The Knight Alliance, a property management company that highlights the efforts of one Australian each year who spends their life giving back to the community.
Previous recipients have included anti- domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty and Victoria Cross recipient Benjamin Roberts- Smith.
Mr Twentyman said he was humbled to receive the award and would put the money towards his own 20th Man charity’s back-to-school program, which provides educational resources, textbooks and stationery for young people experiencing financial difficulties and unstable living conditions.
Over the past 27 years, the back-to-school program has helped more than 20,000 kids from disadvantaged backgrounds return to or stay at school.
Mr Twentyman said the importance of education could not be overstated. “This donation will allow us to continue our fight against poverty, drugs, gangs and crime by putting 50 more kids into school this year – keeping kids in classrooms and out of the court rooms,” he said.
Knight Alliance managing director Robert Evans said Mr Twentyman had devoted his life to help young people doing it tough reach their potential.
“Les believes that investing in young Australians, especially those at risk, is an investment in a more compassionate and productive society,” Mr Evans said.
