Carers are often the unseen and under recognised workers in our communities and most do it out of love. Providing care for elderly parents who lose the capacity to care for themselves can be hard work, heart breaking and isolating.
Many carers will admit to feeling that their contribution to society and economy is not valued, particularly as carers enable other family members to work, pursue careers or other interests. Carers contribute to the social cohesion and the national economy, and are often the strongest advocates for the elderly and vulnerable.
Caring is a significant role, given the inevitability of ageing that no one escapes. Suzy Bourdamis is a carer, who now dedicates most of her working hours to the care of her father. She and I both agree on the need to elevate the importance of this work and the benefits that flow from it. Change can often begin by telling our stories and Suzy has agreed to tell hers.
Suzy was born in Deniliquin, NSW, where her immigrant family experienced great kindness. It was here that her journey of navigating two cultures began. Her parents laid the foundation for a successful working life, starting as fruit and vegetable merchants and later moving into the takeaway food business. The family eventually relocated to Swan Hill, where Suzy attended primary school. It was there she first realized her differences—feeling more in common with the Aboriginal girl in her class than with her other classmates.
Her teenage years were spent in 1970s Geelong, a city with both a lively Greek community and a vibrant Aussie culture defined by footy and social activities, much of which clashed with the expectations of being a “good Greek girl.” Suzy cleverly balanced her dual identities—finding acceptance in mainstream Aussie culture while remaining a dutiful daughter and an elder sister in a traditional Greek household.
Like many of her generation, Suzy says she was “Latchkey-kid”, as her parents “worked long hours in their shop. Suzy also became their translator for complicated legal documents and interpreter during medical appointments, all while longing for the carefree lifestyle of her Anglo-Australian peers.
Her school holidays were spent working in the family shop rather than camping, going to the beach, or enjoying the cinema. Building a stable life required the eldest siblings to shoulder domestic and family duties—a norm for many post-war immigrant families. While some children naturally felt resentment for the burdens they bore, many, like Suzy, transformed these experiences into resilience, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of duty.
Suzy expresses deep gratitude to her parents for instilling these values in her. “I recognize the courage of many Greek immigrants,” she reflects. Now a dedicated community activist, Suzy is working on a formal initiative to honour migrants like her parents.
For the past five years, Suzy has been supporting her mother to care for her father, who suffers from dementia—a devastating disease. As his advocate, she has become a powerful voice for the rights of elderly immigrants. Suzy often discusses the challenges carers face, including the emotional, social, and financial toll of caregiving. She believes society undervalues carers, despite their significant contributions to both the economy and the community.
Suzy is also deeply involved in community programs, organizing fundraisers, film nights, and forums to address pressing issues such as cancer and family violence. Currently, she is assisting the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Geelong Committee (HOCGC) in planning a dance to celebrate 2025.
All of Suzy’s efforts are voluntary. She strongly believes that “local Greek communities, which preserve Greek immigrant culture and Orthodox faith, must be supported.”
“I call on all peers to continue what our parents worked so hard to create—to build on those foundations for future generations.”
As someone who has also contributed to my local community and care for my mother, I often urge others to get involved. Whether it’s joining a regional-based Greek club, or a local parish, every act of support matter. A community president’s contributions are no more valuable than the elderly Greek woman who devoutly makes a prosphora, by donating olive oil to her church each week.
Suzy Bourdamis embodies resilience, leadership, and compassion. She is a local hero, and I am proud to call her my friend.
*Helen Politis is Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek.
