I first met Steve in the early 1980’s at an alternative Christian communities gathering out at Malabar in Sydney. For the next thirty years I had the privilege of working and talking with Steve in a variety of different contexts, including working directly with Steve as a General Manager at WorkVentures at the beginning of the 2000’s.

During my time at WorkVentures I enjoyed an environment that was open to innovation, new ways of doing things, risk and engagement with disadvantaged communities across Sydney. This was very much part of Steve’s great contribution. He was willing to go and do new things that had not been done before. Not all succeeded – but that was part of learning and getting better at it for the next opportunity. He was an entrepreneur in the best sense of the word.

It would be dishonourable to Steve if I said he was the easiest person I have ever worked with. We had robust and rigorous debate. We disagreed and agreed. We got over differences and always got back in touch – even if many months went past.
Steve should be remembered just as he was – a tough negotiator, a robust debater and a risk taker – and all for the very best of reasons – to make this world a better place.

If there is a heaven, then I am sure Steve is there right now talking to God and all the angels about several new ideas in which innovative solutions to some of eternity’s big issues might be addressed.

Keep going Steve – in our memories and our thoughts, and keep reminding us to seek new ways to change the world and make it a better place.

(Steve Lawrence, dubbed the ‘Grandfather of Social Enterprise’, passed away on Tuesday May 22 – read more about Steve Lawrence here.)