On 27 February, Tony Hoang of Inspire180 captivated Year 10 students with his story of triumph over adversity, proving that redemption and change are possible and within reach.
His storytelling was raw and relatable, highlighting how carefully choosing our role models could save us from heartache. Tony dragged us through his childhood, the eighth child of a migrant family in Cabramatta, Sydney, and stepped us through the decisions that led him to make a 180 change in his life. It’s incredible how Tony’s traumatic past, trauma caused by others and his own negative decisions, seems but a distant memory when you hear him talk about his family and life now.
Tony encouraged us to embrace values that come from the words of Jesus, offering a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to change your life and have hope for the future. His message was more than motivational—it was a call to action, urging us to cultivate resilience, hope, and a mindset focused on becoming our best selves. He encouraged us to put our faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believing that the power that resurrected Him is available to help transform our lives today.
Grounded and genuine, Tony showed that personal transformation starts with the choices we make every day. Through his own story of redemption, he became a beacon of hope for us all, inspiring us to believe in the possibilities of our future and the power we have to write a new chapter. We don’t have to walk down dark paths; we can turn away or never walk them at all.
If you would like to see more of Tony’s story, watch Once Upon a Time in Cabramatta on SBS, Gangster Pastor on ABC, or Gangs of Oz on Channel 7.
Miss Ash Dines
Head of English
