Across the aged care sector, countless stories of compassion, kindness and humanity quietly unfold every day—stories that rarely make the headlines.
They belong to the frontline care workers who dedicate themselves to supporting more than 1.3 million older Australians. And for most, this is not work or just a job—it’s a calling.
These workers know they are part of someone’s final chapter in life, and that their presence in the life of an elder carries with it companionship, connection and dignity when it matters most.
Neos Kosmos sat down with two of Fronditha Care’s dedicated team members to learn more about what motivates them to make a difference in the lives of older Greek Australians.
A role that is all about heart and bonding like family
For Melbourne’s Greek Australian ageing population, Fronditha Care has been a vital part of the journey for almost five decades —offering a continuum of care across a wide range of community services to more than 1,300 elderly individuals who continue to live at home and over 500 living in ongoing residential services.
Elissavet Haas, a Fronditha Care personal care worker, a Greek Australian who grew up in Germany, transitioned into the aged care sector, leaving behind a 20-year long legal career. Stepping away from full time work and the constant pressures of the legal profession to focus on raising her family she took the time to consider what she would do next.
“With the help of a career advisor, I initially explored similar roles to what I had taken on in the past, but then I focused on what truly inspired me. I realised how passionate I was about helping people—and how deeply connected I felt to my Greek heritage, culture and my community.”
With some clients, Elissavet says, the bond forms instantly. “They’re not just clients that I care for, they have become family to me. When I walk into an elder’s home, my mission is to ‘spread the love’. I make sure their days are something they look forward to. Whether I’m helping with their personal needs or cleaning, I always have Greek music playing, we chat, we laugh and connect, and I always try to be fully present for the elder I’m there to support .”
She continues: “They don’t see you as just someone helping with chores—they see you as a daughter or grandchild. The love they give you is priceless. You truly become part of their extended family.” An elder recently told me, ‘I couldn’t wait for you to come today—you bring the sunshine into my home.'”
Reflecting on her four-year career with Fronditha Care Elissavet says: “There are days that are very emotional and other days filled with joy. Even with someone living with dementia who is often in their own world, to see them light up with pure joy and to witness their happiness—it means everything. That’s all I ever wanted: to bring that kind of joy to someone who may no longer know what time or day it is.”
A new generation of Greek Australians is finding purpose
Evangelos Mallios, a 23-year-old university student, represents a new generation of our community discovering meaning and purpose through the aged care sector.
Like most staff at Fronditha Care, Evangelos speaks fluent Greek—a crucial skill for connecting with elders.
“Connection is what they miss the most,” he says, “and communication through even a chat can change their whole day. Many times, as I’m doing domestic duties for my clients like cleaning, they rush me along saying — ‘come, come, finish up quickly so we can have a coffee together.’ They don’t care as much about their environment – they care about engaging in a conversation that provides connection.”
Evangelos agrees with Elissavet. The relationships he’s built are deeply meaningful and significant and like a deep-rooted bond.
“I love hearing their stories. Everyone has something unique to share. If you really listen, there’s always something valuable to learn.”
He continues with obvious delight: “Some elders love talking about Greek politics, which I’m not that knowledgeable about, but many are real foodies, especially the women. I’ll ask about a recipe, and their faces light up as they explain every step.”
Evangelos moved to Melbourne from Greece at age 11. His understanding of the needs of the elderly started at a very early age. “My grandma lived with dementia, and we were always helping—doing small things for her, even making her coffee. It felt rewarding. My aunt also works in aged care and would share stories. That inspired me to give it a go.”
He says his daily tasks are simple, but really meaningful: taking out the bin, collecting the mail, preparing meals, driving clients to appointments, or just sitting and connecting through a chat.
“To me, these are not big things, but to those I care for, it means a lot. Just being able to lift someone’s mood—that’s the best part of my job. Sometimes I walk into a house and the elder looks quite down, but by the time I leave, they’re always happy and smiling. That really motivates me.”
The power of connection through heritage and culture
The majority of Fronditha Care’s Community Services staff are of Greek heritage—something Elissavet and Evangelos consider to be a privilege.
“To be able to interact in your mother tongue with an elder during your workday is special —being and speaking Greek is just different. The way we speak, our expressions, the passion, and even the cheekiness. When we speak with our elders in Greek, we understand where they come from, the hardships they’ve endured, their life’s journey has somehow more meaning and some of their stories are incredibly moving.”
It’s that cultural connection that keeps Fronditha Care team members highly engaged and committed to the work of the organisation as it adds a more intimate element to their role.
For Elissavet too, switching careers may have meant taking a significant pay cut but the rewards of being in a role as a carer have far outweighed any financial loss.
“The gains I’ve had in the life I’m living now are very different. I’m not crunching numbers or under constant stress. The beauty of this job is the experience—the love and care you share with your clients and the opportunity to build relationships and bonds that are culturally connected – that’s what brings joy to my work and career in aged care.”
This same sentiment is what has buoyed so many of the 1000+ staff at Fronditha Care, with many team members working for the organisation for more than 15, 20, 30 and even 40 years.
Looking ahead: The growing need for an aged care workforce
Many are surprised to learn someone as young as Evangelos works in aged care.
“People think it’s hard,” he says. “But I can’t recommend it highly enough – you just need to care about people and have a little patience.”
With Australia’s population rapidly ageing—nearly one in five Australians will be over 65 within the next decade—the demand for aged care services is rising fast. The sector is projected to grow by 28 per cent in the next five years, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing and most secure industries.
Most older Australians have a clear preference: about 70% want to remain in their own homes as they age. Carers like Evangelos and Elissavet help make that possible, offering not just practical support, but a vital connection to the community.
For those considering a career in aged care, the rewards go far beyond the payslip.
As Elissavet says, “If you’re here for the right reasons—and to give with all your heart, you receive so considerably more in return, and you know you’re in the right place. It’s a role that gives so much back. I mean, the warmth and connection and love you receive—in what other career would you get that?”
