Help Hayley Fix Her First Home

A Little Bit About Us

We are usually a family who gives help rather than asks for it, so writing this doesn’t come easily. But I want to share with you why I’ve created this GoFundMe for my daughter, Hayley.

Hayley is a driven, determined young woman who quietly sets herself goals and then works tirelessly to achieve them. Long before she even had her licence, she was helping us with our small cleaning business in the Barossa Valley. As soon as she was old enough, she took on paid work — first at the iconic Gungellan Hotel in Freeling (known to many as the pub featured in McLeod’s Daughters), where she started running meals and later pouring beers, and then at The Louise in Seppeltsfield, a five-star restaurant where she quickly adapted to the high standards of fine dining service.

She managed all of this while completing Year 12, achieving an ATAR that earned her entry into a teaching degree. She deferred uni for six months so she could complete a vintage at Richmond Grove winery, saving extra money toward her first home, before officially starting her full-time studies in primary education.

Today, Hayley juggles more than most people could imagine. She works as an educator at a local Lutheran School, studies full-time at university, and still helps with our family cleaning business. On top of that, she makes time for the things she loves — horse riding, golf, and running. She goes to the gym most days and recently competed in her very first half marathon, running 21 kilometres in the City-Bay. And of course, she still tries to enjoy the social side of being 21.

This is who Hayley is — hardworking, humble, kind, and generous with others. That’s why it breaks my heart to see her hard-earned dream of owning her first home turned into such a difficult experience. She has shown incredible strength through it all, but right now she needs a little help.

Hayley’s Story

At just 18 years old, Hayley achieved what many young people only dream of — she saved and signed a contract to build her first home. What should have been a proud and exciting milestone has instead turned into an ongoing struggle.

When the house reached the point of handover, a number of issues were identified. Independent building inspections confirmed defects and compliance concerns, and for over 12 months, attempts were made to resolve these matters. Some repairs were completed, but several significant concerns remained unresolved.

After nearly two years of back-and-forth, Hayley and our family have already spent more than $30,000 in legal fees. Hayley never refused to make the final payment — she simply wanted the practical completion form and the final inspection report she had paid for to be provided together before signing.

Unfortunately, the situation escalated. The builder relied on clauses in the contract that restricted our ability to delay payment, and eventually began threatening legal proceedings for the balance, along with interest and costs. For a young first-home buyer with limited resources, the pressure was immense.

Recently, Hayley made the final progress payment under protest — not because she agreed with the circumstances, but to stop interest from accumulating further and to ease the stress of potential court action. At just 21, with little knowledge of legal or building processes, the fear of litigation became overwhelming. While some issues may still need to be pursued through legal channels, at least she will no longer be paying mounting interest on a home that remains empty.

Your support will help Hayley cover the costs needed to repair the serious defects in her home, and ease the financial strain this has placed on a young woman who only wanted to begin her adult life with stability and security.

How You Can Help

Donate — even a few dollars makes a huge difference.

Offer your skills or trade expertise if you work in building or construction.

Share this page so others know what’s happening and can stand with us.

Why This Matters

This is about more than one young woman’s home. It’s about making sure that first-time buyers — especially young people — are protected and not left in impossible situations.

By helping Hayley, you’re sending a message that ordinary people deserve fairness and transparency when building their first home.

If you’re in a position to donate even a small amount, or simply share this page, it would mean the world to Hayley and our family. Together, we can help her turn this nightmare into a distant memory and give her the fresh start she deserves.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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