Born and raised in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, 36yo proud single mum to a 3-month-old baby boy born 11 March 2025. I fell pregnant naturally and while the baby’s father chose not to be involved, I chose to proceed with the pregnancy as I always knew I wanted kids so there wasn’t any doubt in my mind that I wanted my baby boy. I’m lucky to be supported by my loving single mum who has always been a positive influence in my life and she is now a proud grandmother to my son. Some days do have its challenges as a single parent, that said, I truly have been relishing in my new role of motherhood and soaking up all the joy in connecting with my son while watching him grow and develop. I’m excited for the months and years to come. He’s become the love of my life and number one man for me.
I’ve been working full-time in the same company since July 2012 and am lucky to be supported by a small office of mostly female colleagues, including an amazing manager, many of whom I call dear friends and one in particular that has become one of my best friends and that I was also maid-of-honour for at her wedding a few years ago. My role is reservations consultant in an adventure travel company that is an operator & wholesaler of adventure travel packages around the world (walking/cycling), which I’ve come to love and also had the pleasure of sampling myself many times. I plan to return to work in a part-time capacity in October 2025 so that I can earn sufficient income to manage living expenses while also still being able to spend time with my young baby on my days off.
I have a small circle of close friends aside of my work friends, which includes my childhood best friend who I met when we were 11 years old and whose daughter’s I refer to as my nieces.
I currently rent a 2-bedroom unit in Matraville which I have called home since October 2020 in a family-friendly neighbourhood. It’s an older style building but I’m lucky to be on a significantly low rental amount in comparison to local rental prices (even factoring in inflation of the last few years) and it has ample space & convenient amenities to suit my needs so I can’t imagine living anywhere else and am very comfortable here.
If there are any other single mums in the East willing to make new friends, I’d love to connect with you as there is a real lack of organised single mum groups in our area which saddens me. My IG handle is efti_89 or Facebook name is Eftihia Vlachos.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
Lived in Sydney’s East most of my life. Born & raised in Kensington where I lived in my family home until my early 20s, then briefly moved to the Inner West while renting (St Peter’s then Marrickville for about 2.5 years) before moving back to the East in rentals, first Kingsford, then Eastlakes, back to Kingsford, and now Matraville as of October 2020.
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Familiar, comfortable, and connected.
How many children?
1 son, currently 3 months old – born 11 March 2025.
Favourite Park?
Heffron Park – nearby and easy to either drive to or walk, with convenient parking options and local bus services if needed, also good facilities with the Heffron Centre and Des Renford Leisure Centre accessible when using the park.
Favourite Beach?
Yarra Bay – family-friendly, accessible parking, facilities available in the park area, with generally clean & calm water that reminds me of Greek beaches (my family heritage is from Greece).
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
Haven’t fully tested local kid-friendly cafes, however, so far of my regulars that I’ve been to with my son I’d say The Burrow Café in the Heffron Centre at Heffron Park as it has 2 large seating areas just outside the basketball court that has ample room for prams and there is also a disabled toilet around the corner that conveniently has a baby change table inside.
Favourite Coffee Spot?
The Sweet Whale in Eastgardens Westfield – lovely friendly staff who know me by name and serve up a delicious Mocha, my go-to coffee order. And if you feel peckish, they offer a decent breakfast and lunch menu that is good value and always tastes good.
Favourite date night place?
Been a long time since I’ve been on a proper date! I’ve been single for the past 3 years and found it hard to date for various reasons. That said, my ideal date would be to go for a nice daytime coastal walk around La Perouse area then finish up at The Boatshed for lunch (I find nighttime dates more overwhelming).
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
In my 30+ years living in the East, I’ve explored most, if not all, pockets, but I’d love to spend more time in Maroubra Beach if the evening options improved as there’s limited choice there but would be good to have that as more of an evening hub rather than having to travel too far (Coogee is nice but a trek from Matraville on public transport and also a struggle for parking if driving; likewise, the CBD is a trek on public transport).
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
As above – evening dining/bar options in local hubs such as Maroubra Beach, Maroubra Junction (as currently a bit too rough at night), Kingsford (limited choice / rough crowd), Randwick.
Favourite Local Shop?
BigW at Westfield Eastgardens – my top choice for clothing both for adults & baby and other baby items as well as some appliances and homewares and books. Great value and range offered plus good rewards program with the Woolworths Group (as I also shop for most of my groceries at Woolworths).
Favourite wet weather location?
Westfield Eastgardens as it has ample undercover parking when driving to there from home and a wide range of shops available for everyday or splurge purchases, and good facilities including parent rooms when taking baby with me. In more recent years, it also conveniently has branches for Services Australia and Services NSW making it easier to tackle life admin tasks when needed.
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
Not yet explored family weekend activity options.
Work or SAHM?
Currently on maternity leave from my full-time admin-based job, where I was working on a hybrid schedule of 2 days WFH and 3 days in the city office. Returning to work sometime in October 2025 in a part-time capacity of 3 days per week (1 day WFH and 2 days in the city office).
Motherly advice?
While I’m still new to the role of motherhood, I’d say that it really does take a village to raise a child; learn to accept help from whomever or wherever you trust and to ask for help when needed; and recognise that it’s not about buying everything for your baby, it’s more about quality of the items you purchase as well as the love & care you show them that counts.
