Our Mentors

“Earned resilience and learned experience, Wisdom is costly, we pay for it dearly.”

  • In Sydney's underworld, Marty was consumed by a life fueled by drugs, his existence a blur of addiction and desperation.

    But from the depths of his darkest days, Marty emerged with a burning passion to rewrite his story and transform the lives of others. Now, he channels his past struggles into a mission to break the chains of addiction and reshape mindsets, guiding people towards their true destinies.

    Marty's magnetic ability to bridge cultural divides has made him a revered figure in the community, a mentor who ignites purpose in the hearts of young families, men, and women alike. With three children and a loving partner by his side, he's on a relentless quest to inject hope into the veins of those yearning for change.

    His life isn't just a journey—it's a captivating narrative of redemption and empowerment, inspiring individuals and families to seize their chance at a brighter tomorrow.

  • Growing up in a Vietnamese family that fled a war-torn country for Australia, Johnny confronted numerous challenges in his early years. From navigating cultural clashes at home and school to enduring racism and bullying, he found solace in gangs and eventually turned to drugs, leading to addiction and incarceration in his adult life.

    Today, liberated from his past struggles, Johnny is driven by a deep desire to give back, particularly to teenagers facing similar trials. Reflecting on his own journey, he recognizes the pivotal role mentorship could have played in his formative years. Now, as a drug educator, life trainer, and mentor, he seizes the opportunity to be that guiding influence for others, offering support and wisdom to those navigating the complexities of adolescence and helping them make sound, positive decisions for their future.

  • Abraham, a former Australian heavyweight champion in the promotion Hex, has led a life marked by resilience and redemption. Growing up in New Zealand amidst family turmoil, he faced adversity and chose to break free from a destructive lifestyle.

    Finding refuge in martial arts upon moving to Sydney, Abraham overcame homelessness and criminal entanglements to compete internationally. Through his journey, he discovered the power of positive influences and reconciled with his past, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers.

    Abraham's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of one's social circle, embodying the adage: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”

  • Johnny's life was once engulfed in violence and drug abuse, entangled within the criminal underworld as a debt collector and stand-over man for one of Cabramatta’s notorious gangs. At the age of 22, he faced betrayal and was left for dead in a suburban street. Yet, from the depths of adversity emerged a remarkable transformation, as Johnny shares his compelling journey from brutality to compassion.

    Today, he stands as a beacon of hope—a loving husband, devoted father, and influential youth mentor, inspiring others with his story of redemption and resilience.

  • Having endured the harsh realities of the streets of Papua New Guinea from the tender age of 5, Taholo and his family sought refuge in Australia, hopeful for a brighter future. Adjusting to life as an ordinary Aussie child, Taholo's world was shattered at 9 when he sat beside his father's hospital bed, witnessing his passing—a plunge into the abyss of fatherlessness.

    Driven by a yearning to fill the void in his heart, Taholo pursued fame and fortune, gracing stages as a featured artist on The Schools Spectacular and The X Factor. Yet, despite fleeting moments of success, he found himself increasingly bewildered, depressed, and broken.

    Today, Taholo embarks on journeys across regional Australia, sharing his poignant tale of resilience. Through his narrative, he aims to ignite hope in the hearts of today's youth, inspiring them to envision and strive for a brighter tomorrow amidst life's trials and tribulations.

  • LIFE AFTER 19 YEARS BEHIND BARS

    From 19 birthdays spent behind bars to surviving a bullet to the head amidst the chaos of Asian crime gangs, Vu's journey to true freedom has been fraught with hardship and danger. His incarceration spanned some of the most notorious correctional facilities in Australia, including Silverwater, Parklea, Long Bay, Windsor, Cessnock, and Goulburn.

    In the unforgiving environment of prison life, Vu encountered the darkest aspects of humanity—stabbings, murder, and constant threats of retribution. However, from the depths of his pain and scars, he emerged with a newfound purpose: to share his harrowing tale and steer young people away from the destructive path he once trod.

    Today, Mr. Pham stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in his community. As a dedicated mentor with the Inspire180Project, he channels his experiences into positive change, guiding others toward a brighter future.

    His commitment to giving back to the community he once terrorized is exemplified by his recognition with the 2017 Lexicon Community Impact Award—a testament to the profound impact of his work in inspiring change and fostering resilience.

  • SUICIDE PREVENTION - I TRIED TO COMMIT SUICIDE 3 TIMES

    Growing up immersed in a life of crime and drug abuse in Cabramatta, Yee's journey took a devastating turn when tragedy struck at his own wedding: his best friend shot and murdered his brother-in-law. The weight of this loss plunged Yee into a deep depression, leading him to attempt suicide three times—shooting himself in the lungs, ingesting acid, and slashing his own throat. Miraculously surviving these attempts, Yee discovered a glimmer of hope in serving his community.

    Determined to find purpose amidst his pain, Yee now volunteers his time to mentor individuals from vulnerable backgrounds, offering them a guiding light out of darkness. Through his own journey of overcoming adversity, he inspires others to reclaim their lives and find hope in the midst of despair.

    Married and the father of nine children, Yee's commitment to his family and community is unwavering. He sacrifices his time and energy to uplift those in need, embodying the transformative power of compassion and resilience.

  • MC BLACK MOOSE | PERFORMER

  • Jordan Domingo's story is an inspiring tale of resilience and redemption. Raised in a close-knit family with deep Filipino roots, Jordan encountered adversity from a young age. As he navigated the complexities of life, he found himself drawn into the tumultuous world of gang conflicts, leading to brushes with the law and eventual incarceration at the tender age of 19.

    Amidst the darkness of his circumstances, Jordan experienced a profound moment of self-reflection that sparked a transformative journey towards hope and renewal. Through introspection and personal growth, he emerged from the shadows of his past, determined to carve out a brighter future for himself and others.

    Since then, Jordan has dedicated himself to uplifting those around him, particularly the youth facing similar challenges. As a mentor and role model, he offers guidance and support, sharing his own experiences to inspire hope and resilience in others. In his role as Outreach Director at Potters House Fairfield, Jordan extends a helping hand to those in need, fostering a community of compassion and empowerment.

  • Born and raised in the government housing of Miller, one of Sydney's most disadvantaged areas, Jason (Phuc) Nguyen has faced the harsh realities of street life from a young age. Bullied in school, he sought solace and belonging within gangs, eventually becoming involved in drug dealing by the age of 17. Betrayed by those he trusted, Jason found himself ensnared in a cycle of substance abuse and despair.

    However, a pivotal moment of reaching out to God led Jason to discover a new path at the Potters House Church. Through faith and determination, he embarked on a journey of transformation, leaving behind his former life of addiction and crime. Today, as a dedicated husband and father, Jason is committed to serving his community and guiding young people away from the pitfalls of gangs and drug abuse. His story serves as a testament to the power of redemption and the possibility of positive change, even in the face of adversity.

    Today, fueled by his faith, Jason serves as the school chaplain at Westfields Sports High School, where he provides guidance and support to students navigating the challenges of adolescence.