From squatter to success: Filipina turns struggle into real estate triumph in Australia

Fe Lacaba Hayward spent years in foster care in the Philippines, at times sleeping by sewers just to save fare, until a penpal opened the door to Australia.

From sleeping in the streets of Manila to building a real estate empire in Australia, Fe Hayward’s journey proves that courage and determination can change a life, no matter where you start. Credit: Fe Lacaba Hayward /Facebook

Key Points

• Fe Lacaba Hayward arrived in Australia in 1979.
• Although she held a degree from the Philippines, she started out working in soft drink factories.
• Driven by big dreams, she pursued multiple courses—computer skills, receptionist training, leadership at TAFE, and eventually real estate. Today, she’s not only a businesswoman, but also a licensed celebrant, justice of the peace, funeral director, and a community radio broadcaster in Sydney. She actively leads medical missions to the Philippines, a heartfelt way of giving back to the community she came from.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

From squatter to success: Filipina turns struggle into real estate triumph in Australia

SBS Filipino

11:54Filipino

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