Lloyd Owen, a compassionate advocate and leader in the field of policy and programs for child and youth care and protection, passed away on 29 May 2024. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to improving the welfare of young people, leaving an enduring impact on those he worked with as a former director with Barwon Child, Youth and Family (BCYF) and BAYSA.
Born on 20 June 1940, Lloyd’s journey began at Melbourne High School, where his leadership skills were cultivated through cadet training and national service. His career path shifted from the insurance industry to social welfare, driven by his involvement in church and volunteer activities.
Lloyd’s commitment to making a difference led him to pursue a social work qualification, which he complemented with academic achievements including a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Melbourne (1974), a Diploma of Social Studies from The University of Melbourne (1972), a Master of Social Work from Monash University (1982), a Graduate Diploma in Human Service Research from RMIT (1994), and a PhD from La Trobe University (2008).
Throughout his illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Lloyd made significant contributions to the field of social work including:
- Professional social worker and dedicated member of the Australian Association of Social Workers for over 40 years.
- Extensive experience in direct service and consultancy within various non-governmental organizations focused on the welfare of children, youth, and families.
- More than 20 years in management and senior executive roles within Victorian Government welfare services.
- Over 20 years as a respected social work academic, contributing to teaching, research, and consultancy both in Australia and overseas.
- Adjunct senior lecturer at La Trobe University, with additional teaching roles at Deakin University.
- Board member of Time for Youth in Geelong, which merged with Barwon Youth and Glastonbury Family Services in 2015 to form BCYF.
- Honorary Fellow in Social Work at Deakin University Waterfront Campus, Geelong.
In Geelong, Lloyd played a pivotal role in pioneering initiatives such as the XTG extreme adventure program and The Geelong Project (TGP), which introduced innovative early intervention strategies benefiting young people to this day.
Lloyd resigned from the boards of BCYF and BAYSA on 31 March 2022, yet continued to significantly contribute to the success of The Geelong Project and other community initiatives.
A service celebrating Lloyd’s life was held at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 7 June where colleagues and friends remembered him as a “go-to person” and a “social justice warrior”.
Speaking at the service, Meli’s Ria Bua fondly recalled her time working with Lloyd, or “Lloydy Lloyd” as he was affectionately known.
“In the past couple of weeks people I’ve spoken with, messages that have come through, all have talked about how they will remember Lloyd as being generous and especially his compassion when it came to young people,” Ria said.
“For me personally, it was such an honour to meet up with Lloyd at Barwon Youth Accommodation Service (which became Time for Youth in 2007), and work side-by-side with him and to meet his wonderful family and share stories. I will miss our chats about how we look after our youth.”
Many Geelong agency workers have echoed these sentiments, emphasising what a great colleague Lloyd had been to them. He will be remembered as a friend, mentor, carer, reformer, and as a great inspiration.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lloyd was cherished for his warmth, wisdom, and ability to foster growth in others during informal gatherings with colleagues. His legacy of service, advocacy, and compassion will endure in the lives he touched.
Lloyd was also a beloved family man and lifelong partner to wife Faye, father of Anthony, Jane, and Tania, father-in-law of Linda and Andy, “Daddad” and “Papa” to Asta, Sidney, Luan, Angus, Ebony, and Roxana, and partners Bo, Julia, Vivien, Harry, and Henry, and “Great Daddad” to Effie and Otto.
Lloyd left this world peacefully, surrounded by his family, on his 60th wedding anniversary.
Rest in peace, Lloyd Owen. Your dedication and kindness will be remembered.
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