61 - Fairfield Councillor, City Planning & Motorcycling Enthusiast w/ Kevin Lam
What is it really like to serve the community you grew up in? Kevin Lam sits down to share how his parents' migration story helped shape his drive, path into city planning and eventually becoming a Fairfield Councilor.
We also chat about a shared hobby, motorbikes. As the co-founder of Sydney West Riders, Kevin's built a community of over 14,000 riders for over a decade, running charity rides, events, and track days.
Tune in now to hear all about balancing identity, giving back, and finding purpose in both work and passion.
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Guest: Kevin Lam
Sydney West Riders Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/327472683998295
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Music: aKu - Love Shine | aKu - The Final Blow
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:00 What it's like juggling so many responsibilities
2:51 Sydney West Riders origin story
7:51 What were we doing in Lithgow?
10:07 Career path - town planner
13:23 What's happening to the land across Cabra fire station?
14:47 Motivations for career from parents upbringing?
18:28 Running for 2016 Fairfield Council, how it works
25:55 Town planning, more info
30:07 Difference between mayor and local member
33:21 What does Kevin do as a councillor?
41:30 Biggest changes in council?
45:21 Will John St be the next food night market?
50:13 Are younger people more tuned into politics?
52:50 Most rewarding moments
58:03 Funny stories, media
1:01:32 Getting into motorbikes, safety courses
1:07:38 Motivation to keep going
1:14:28 Outro
Kevin Lam
Fairfield City Councillor / Motorcycling Enthuasist | Senior Development Manager
Councillor Kevin Lam’s journey began with his parents' migration from Vietnam to Australia in the late 1980s, settling in Mount Pritchard in the early 1990s.
Fueled by a passion for how cities are built, Kevin pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in City Planning at the University of New South Wales in 2011. While juggling hospitality and retail jobs, he landed an internship at Fairfield Council in 2013, kickstarting a career dedicated to shaping better urban futures.
Over the next decade, Kevin worked as a Town Planner and Senior Development Manager for local and state government organisations, gaining invaluable experience. In 2021, he proudly returned to Fairfield City Council as an elected Councillor. After a term of growth, contribution and learning, In September 2024, Councillor Lam began his second term, with continued inspiration of his parents' sacrifices and the hope of creating a better future for others. He shares,
“The City of Fairfield welcomed my parents and countless others who fled war-torn countries. As I reached adulthood, I felt a deep obligation to honour their journey by serving this city. My commitment as Councillor is to instill hope, provide essential services, and create opportunities for our community by making Fairfield the best livable city it can be.”
Beyond public service and building cities, Kevin is a passionate motorcyclist. In 2012, he co-founded Sydney West Riders with his twin brother Steven, a thriving community of over 14,000 riders. For more than a decade, they’ve hosted charity rides, events, and… Read More
