Drumming up care and connection
By day, Graham’s caring hands support older people in their homes as a dedicated care worker with Southcare. By night (and most weekends), those same hands keep the beat as he plays the drums in a band — a passion he’s followed for more than 35 years.
With nine drum kits at home — ten if you count the electronic one! — Graham practices daily and plays up to six gigs a month. The band’s oldest member is 76, and the youngest is 48, and Graham says he is “about in the middle.” It proves that music has no age limit — and neither does connection.
“Ringo got me into it,” Graham laughs, referencing the famous drummer in The Beatles. “I had photos of him in my bedroom. My parents were musical too, and it started with me playing spoons in my native Sri Lanka when I was a baby.”
Caring, like drumming, is something that comes naturally to Graham — though he came to it later in life. During COVID-19, he was inspired by a friend working in aged and disability care and retrained to complete his Certificate III in Community Service. Before that, he worked in an office — something he quickly realised wasn’t for him.
“I’m a people person, I like getting out and about and meeting new people. I’m a talker and a researcher! I connect with older people because I talk about things they know, things they grew up with, and the conversation is great for both of us.”
“No two customers are the same, so no two days are the same and that’s what I love,” he says.
“I also love the flexibility this role provides me. I work part-time and that perfectly suits my lifestyle.
“I am up early to go to the gym, start work early and finish in the afternoon which gives me time to go home, play my drums and if I have a show on I will play that night. It’s the best of both worlds!”
Southcare Chief Executive Officer Enda Fahy says Graham is just one of many carers and the time is now to recognise the important work they do.
“Carers are everyday heroes. Aged care workers who support people to live well at home, do a job that is deeply personal — it’s about connection, trust, dignity and kindness. Whether it’s helping someone get dressed, preparing a hot meal, providing transport, or simply listening with empathy, their impact is profound.”
“We are calling on the community to pause and think about the people who care for our loved ones — these people make a real difference,” Mr Fahy said.
Aged Care Employee Day is on 7 August but you can thank a carer everyday. If you have caring hands and want to be a carer, reach out today.