Zango general manager Karen Ligdopolous (right) with Sally and her husband David, who are now homeowners. Photo: Zango.
“We could finally buy a home, quit our second jobs and spend more time with our child.”
Just 17 words make up this simple yet powerful sentence.
They’re straight from the heart of Canberra mum Sally, who came across Zango’s Win Your Way In competition on social media and decided to enter on a whim.
Announced in January, the competition invited prospective home buyers in Canberra or Queanbeyan to share how a $25,000 home deposit would impact them in 25 words or less.
Sally and her husband David had been trying to save their own deposit for years. They made many sacrifices, including moving from Sydney to Canberra in their quest towards home ownership.
The couple’s dream was to raise their three-year-old son in a home that was truly theirs.
Out of 1750 submissions, judges were most impressed with Sally’s. They noted her “sheer determination” to save, working full-time as a childcare director and taking on a second job while juggling family life.
Sally and David had been renting in Sydney for years before moving to Canberra. They eventually realised property prices were increasing faster than they could save.
“We decided to move here knowing we’d probably have a better chance of getting a foot in the property market,” Sally said.
“There’s a lot of rhetoric around young people not sacrificing enough, and that’s why they can’t buy property. But we have sacrificed so much to afford to buy our own home.
“My husband and I have not had holidays, I have not had my hair cut in over 12 months, I don’t get my nails done, I don’t have expensive makeup. We have worked so much, we have made the ultimate sacrifice, which is time with our son.”
The couple gave up everything from holidays to haircuts, even moving cities in their efforts to enter the property market. Photo: Sally.
When the winning call came through, Sally initially thought Zango was simply looking for more information. But on the other end of the line, general manager Karen Ligdopolous was getting ready to share some life-changing news.
“We were talking for what felt like ages, and Karen said, ‘I’m not going to draw this out any longer, you’ve won!'” Sally told Zango.
“Winning this competition is massive for us. I’ve never won anything before. It’s amazing.”
The couple were thrilled to buy a home in North Canberra soon after.
Karen told Region the profound moment lit a fire within her and the rest of the Zango team.
“More than 27,000 Canberrans were drawn to Zango’s site seeking details of the giveaway and 1750 of them submitted entries. This made it very clear just how many locals could benefit from initiatives like ours,” she said.
“I want to make more life-changing phone calls like that. It was phenomenal. I’m so happy for Sally and her family.
“Zango is thrilled to announce we are going again, with another chance to Win Your Way In. I can’t wait to meet the next deserving Canberran we help to realise their home ownership dreams.”
Anyone entering or re-entering the Canberra/Queanbeyan property market is welcome to apply for the next round of Win Your Way In. The $25,000 prize can only be used for residential homes, not land, and the property can’t be used as an investment.
Karen shared some hot tips to get Region readers started.
“Take your time reading through the terms and conditions – this is not a cash giveaway. Zango will make a direct deposit on your behalf when you purchase your home.
“Be honest and authentic – we’re looking for real, genuine words from the heart.
“And even if you don’t want to enter yourself, tell your friends and family. Everyone knows someone who could benefit.”
For more information or to make your own Win Your Way In submission, visit Zango. Entries close at 9 am on 6 June 2025.
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