Audrey Blake

Audrey Elsie Blake (1916–2006) was an Australian writer, activist, and a member of the Communist Party of Australia. She was the first Secretary of the Eureka Youth League, and was also the wife of Australian activist John David Blake (aka Jack Blake).

Early and personal life Audrey Elsie Blake (née Boyd) was born on 9 August 1916 in South Melbourne, Australia, as the second of six children belonging to working-class parents. Audrey was educated at Albert Park State School, Middle Park Central School. At the age of 14, she transferred to Melbourne Girls’ High School. In 1930, she became an atheist. She married the communist party activist John David Blake and in 1934, she gave birth to a daughter.

Political activism As a teenager, Audrey joined the Friends of the Soviet Union in 1931. Then in 1932, at the age of 15, she joined a group called the Young Communist League (YCL). In 1934, she was elected to the CPA'S State committee.

Death and legacy Audrey Blake died on the 1 November 2006 at Neutral Bay, Australia. She was survived by her daughter Jan, four grandchildren, and nine-great-grandchildren. Audrey was 90 years old when she died.

Additional information on Audrey's life can be found in the National Archives of Australia.