The Quiet Strength of Carers in Our Community
When you step into Sue’s world, it doesn’t take long to realise you’re standing in the presence of quiet resilience. As a single mother to Bonnie (12) and Brenton (14), Sue’s life has been defined by love, advocacy, and the kind of strength that doesn’t always make headlines, but it should.
Sue and Bonnie are some of the few incredible people in our community who are carers. People who provide ongoing, unpaid care and support to family members, friends, or neighbours who need a little extra help due to age, illness, or disability. Lending a hand with daily tasks, providing companionship, and offering a friendly face when it’s needed most.
Their caring journey began seven years ago when Brenton, then just eight years old, was hospitalised. He had recently been diagnosed with Level 2 Autism, but after his visit, the hospital gently advised Sue to become his full-time carer. That moment changed everything.
Since then, every day has been shaped by Brenton’s needs. His severe anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and selective mutism mean he requires constant emotional and physical care.
“You’re a mum, a carer, receptionist, mental health worker, maid. You’re everything and sometimes it’s exhausting,” Sue says.
Appointments must be planned carefully and well in advance to help Brenton feel emotionally prepared and supported. Since they take place in his home, his safe space, any unexpected changes or disruptions can feel overwhelming, so a gentle and predictable approach is essential.
Bonnie, now 12, has stepped into a role as her brother’s bridge to the outside world. While Brenton can’t always speak or express how he feels, he trusts Bonnie. Their bond is deep and intuitive and sometimes, she’ll get a text from him: “safe” or “unsafe” a code that helps him navigate the world.
“I feel guilty leaning on her sometimes,” Sue admits. “But she’s been by his side for so long, this is her normal too. You forget how different your life is until someone points it out.”
For families like Sue’s, daily life is a delicate balance filled with challenges that many people never see. There are long hours spent on the phone with specialists and service providers, advocating for Brenton’s care, and endless learning about his illnesses. Yet, in the middle of it all, there are moments that shine through the hard days: laughter echoing from the kids’ end of the house, or Brenton showing a small spark of interest in an art therapy project.
“Those tiny steps are huge to us,” Sue says. “Progress can be invisible to the world but for us, it’s everything.”
And in the background of this story, gently offering support and connection, is the Support for Carers Program at SCHS and Yvonne Dingle SCHS’s Support for Carer Coordinator.
While Sue and Bonnie don’t fit neatly into the traditional carers program, which is primarily designed for older adults, Yvonne never let that be a barrier. She offered her time, meaningful conversations, helpful resources, and encouragement.
“She’s the one who suggested Bonnie be registered as a young carer,” Sue says. “It made such a difference. These kids go through so much and being seen matters.”
The SCHS Support for Carers Program, became a source of comfort and belonging. Whether it was sharing information on lunches, attending groups, or simply having a chat Yvonne ensured Sue knew she wasn’t alone. During financially difficult weeks, SCHS also provided practical help like food and fuel vouchers; reminders that the community sees and cares.
For Sue, humour is what gets them through the hardest moments. And for Bonnie, it’s the joy of knowing she is her brother’s safe space.
“Even if you don’t see much progress,” Bonnie says, “if they feel safe talking to you, you’re doing a good job.”
Why Stories Like This Matter
Carers both adults and young people rarely ask for recognition. But their stories matter. They remind us of what love looks like in its truest form. They show us what courage means when no one is watching and they highlight the vital role of services like SCHS and people like Yvonne who make space for these stories, listen without judgement, and remind carers that they are never truly alone.
If you would like to learn more about our Support for Carer’s Program, get in touch with Yvonne at ydingle@schs.com.au or call (03) 5022 5444.