Hard Work is the Secret – Audrey is 100!

Audrey of Derwent Views in Tasmania is our newest 100 Club inductee. Born on 25 August 1926, Audrey says the secret to a long life is “hard work”.  

Audrey attended primary school at Highcroft and then Nubeena High School, finishing school at aged 14 before starting work on the farm for a few years. Growing up on the farm was hard work but Audrey knew no different.

She worked the farm, did the washing up for the neighbours, worked at the local shop in Nubeena (a fishing village on the Tasman Peninsula) and attended church.

It was a routine of faith, work and family. 

Audrey then went on to work at a well-known dress shop called Wallace Brothers, which was a job she really enjoyed.

When asked if she ever met the love of her life, she quickly said “Yes”. Audrey met Stan at a dance at “The Belvedere”. 

Stan was a jockey, then he drove the trolley buses before he and Audrey bought a mixed business.

The business sold and delivered groceries, sandwiches and homemade cakes that were made by Audrey.

Together they worked in the shop for 25 years, it was hard work, but they enjoyed being together each day.

They did that until their retirement.

It was something that she still looks back on fondly as a proud achievement she and Stan built together.

Audrey enjoyed holidaying with Stan and their group of friends in Queensland following their retirement; it was a time she would love to revisit now.  

Over the past 100 years there have been so many moments, she says, that have made up her life, but the one she wishes everyone could experience is a happy marriage.

Her favourite song is the hymn Amazing Grace.

And, when asked what Respect means to her, she says, “Being treated well and respectfully in my final years.”