Motorcycle clubs join forces to fight western Sydney youth drug problem
FORMER gang member and drug dealer Tony Hoang is doing his bit to help clean up the south western Sydney streets with help from some motorcycle friends.
Liverpool
Don't miss out on the headlines from Liverpool. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Struggle to land job after two decades in jail
- Former drug dealer helps others
- Life of drugs and crime flipped on its head
TWO motorcycle communities will join forces to fundraise and increase awareness about Inspire 180 this weekend.
Cabramatta figure Tony Hoang leads the program, seeking to engage, educate and change cultural perceptions towards the dangers of alcohol, drugs and crime.
The former gang member and drug dealer, now 34, started out in the world of crime as a 13-year-old. It took him eight years to stop dealing, but in that time, he was locked up at 14, shot at when he was 19 and had a heroin overdose at 21.
Mr Hoang’s life of drugs has been featured in Gangs of Oz, Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta on the television and in a book called Doin’ Time.
He knows too well the effects drugs and crime have on a person and their family and friends.
Today, he is the pastor at The Potters House at Liverpool, and is all about giving people a second chance.
More than 150 riders from Sydney West Riders and Ambassadors Christian Motorcycle Club will congregate on Saturday to fundraise and raise awareness for Inspire 180.
Mr Hoang runs the program in high schools in low socio economic areas in western Sydney.
Sydney West Riders co-founder Kevin Lam said riders will meet at Cabramatta Hungry Jacks at 8.30am before their cruise towards Wisemans Ferry.
“Each year we undertake a ride to support a youth cause,” Mr Lam said.
“Given that many issues faced by adults in today’s time tend to escalate from one’s living experience as a youth, it is crucial that ongoing backing for non-profit organisations such as Inspire 180 are supported.”
Mr Lam said he was honoured to be able to contribute to the life-changing work Mr Hoang does in the youth community.
“In 2008 when I was still high school, Tony shared his story of transformation from a gang member to a youth mentor and pastor in Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta,” he said.
“Although I was never involved in crime, his story of hope and courage inspired many students and showed us that any aspirations in life are possible.
The riders aim to raise $2500 this weekend. All the proceeds will go to Inspire 180.
Inspire 180 allows Mr Hoang to engage, equip and challenge the next generation’s mindset around choices and consequences, helping them discover their strengths and passions.
Make a donation HERE.
RIDING TO HELP
● Sydney West Riders is a social motorcycling community that was founded by twin brothers Kevin and Steven Lam in 2012
● They have weekly rides every Wednesday
● Since starting, they’ve thrown their support behind community projects with charities
● They’ve raised money for Youth Off The Streets, Nepal Disasters, Whitelion and now Inspire 180
● Details: sydneywestriders.com
Meet the talented young artists from ARTEXPRESS 2025
The annual art exhibition which shows some of the most outstanding and exemplary artworks across NSW by HSC visual arts students has opened. Meet the students and see their amazing works.
Sydney man accused of sharing more than 100 child abuse files
A southwest Sydney man is facing 20 charges, including allegedly distributing more than 100 child abuse files and dealing drugs.