
McGrath Caloundra
After going through a marriage separation, I suddenly found myself without somewhere to live. Being a self-employed man who hasn’t rented for over 30 years, the process of finding and securing a home for my daughter and me has been nothing short of devastating. Over the past six months, I encountered many different “property managers” who left me questioning not only the rental process but the industry itself. One even laughed when I tried to explain my situation — how difficult it was for my daughter and me to fit into an automated system that simply didn’t account for real people with real stories. That all changed when I met Lara from McGrath Hinterland/Caloundra. From our very first interaction, Lara showed kindness, empathy, and genuine compassion. She took the time to assist me with my application, kept in constant contact about its progress, and ultimately shared the wonderful news that we had secured the property. When Lara called to tell me we’d been approved, she suggested we surprise my daughter with the news — turning what could have been just another phone call into a truly memorable, emotional moment. It was the first time in a long while that I felt a sense of hope and relief. That moment marked a milestone for both my daughter and me — the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. Lara reminded me that not everything has to be automated or impersonal. Even when things are a little outside the ordinary, there is always a way forward when someone genuinely cares. My experience with Lara gave me something no other agency had — dignity. Thank you, Lara, for restoring my faith in people and for helping us find not just a house, but a home.