From wrestling some of the world’s fastest motorcycles around racetracks to navigating the twists and turns of business, Australian motorsport legend Wayne Gardner OAM is bringing his story to South West Sydney.

The Wollongong-born world champion will be the special guest at the South West Networking Group’s combined business breakfast at Lily’s Cafe, Prestons, on Wednesday, October 14.

And there are few Australians better qualified to speak about determination, risk and driving a career forward.

Gardner made sporting history in 1987 when he became the first Australian to win the 500cc Motorcycle World Championship, taking the title aboard the formidable Honda NSR500. He competed during what is remembered as one of motorcycle racing’s great eras, going wheel-to-wheel with names including Eddie Lawson, Randy Mamola, Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey.

Across his premier-class career, Gardner amassed 18 Grand Prix victories and 52 podiums, including memorable back-to-back home victories at Phillip Island in 1989 and 1990. He also won the gruelling Suzuka 8 Hours four times before later turning his attention to four-wheel motorsport.

Now Gardner will swap the racetrack for the breakfast table to share some of the experiences, setbacks and lessons behind his success in sport and business.

Titled Driving Your Career Forward, the breakfast will bring together members of SWNG’s four chapters — Narellan, Camden, Campbelltown and Liverpool — as well as business owners and professionals from across the wider community.

Gardner’s story is also one of resilience. His racing career included serious injuries to his legs, ribs and feet, yet he continued competing at the highest level before retiring from Grand Prix motorcycle racing in 1992, fittingly after claiming one final victory at the British Grand Prix.

SWNG is a not-for-profit networking organisation run by its members, with its four local chapters meeting weekly to build business relationships, generate referrals, exchange knowledge and support one another.

The combined breakfast offers visitors the chance to experience that network while hearing first-hand from one of the great names of Australian motorsport.

Driving Your Career Forward – with Wayne Gardner OAM
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 7am
Lily’s Cafe, Prestons
$50 per person, including breakfast

Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1648194