Memories of Paul
Paul was a wonderful comrade, unionist and friend. He always put the interests of union members and delegates first and was deeply committed to our union. Paul always had a word of encouragement, supporting others to step up - a natural leader who always believed in the power of the collective.
- Melissa Donnelly, CPSU National Secretary
So sad to hear the news - Paul was always such a thoughtful, caring, and funny comrade. Ever reliable for a helpful perspective on any issue and his commitment to our members and delegates was unshakeable. We will miss you, Paul x
- Liz Bower
Blakey was greatly admired and will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
- Debra Burnett
Paul, every single interaction I've had with you in the CPSU has been amazing. You always made me feel respected and genuinely seemed interested in anything I had to say. I truly valued your advice and your work and it is hard to imagine a CPSU without you in it comrade. You were an incredible person. Thank you for everything you did for the movement.
- David Villegas
Oh how sad to hear this. Paul was secretary when I first became a delegate and has always been a staple of the CPSU - always there. Will miss him at our next delegates training - and his graphs. Vale Paul - you will be sadly missed by many.
- Angela Mansfield
Paul will be missed greatly. He was someone you could always call for advice, mentoring and quick wit. Thoughts are with his family and our Tassie comrades, all of whom were so important to him and he was so proud of.
- Leonie Henricks
I'm thankful for Paul's service to the greater goal of bettering the lives of workers, I'll miss working with you. Condolences and prayers for Paul's loved ones.
- Paul Wray
Paul's passion and commitment to the union's members and delegates was clear from the very first time we met. He was incredibly helpful and caring every time we had the pleasure of working together. My heart goes out to those who were closer to Paul - if his impact on me was so great in the short time we spent together, I can only imagine what his loss must feel like to those that had the treasure of his company across the years.
- Marcell Rozsa
So grateful to Paul for all the things I've learned about organising all the way back to when I started at CPSU decades ago, and still just week before last. He'll be terribly missed. But those teachings continue on with all of us. Much love and condolences to family, friends and other colleagues feeling his loss so acutely today.
- David Hermolin, CPSU Lead Organiser
Paul you will be so, so missed.
- Carrie
I'm shocked and upset at the news of Paul's passing. He was an exceptional man and an excellent unionist in his many roles over the years. I will always remember his sense of humour, his passion for music (a passion we shared) and his practical advice to me as a union delegate and ultimately as a friend. My thoughts are with Jill and his family. I'll miss Paul.
- Peter Hampson
Paul was a valued colleague and friend whose presence enriched our union and movement in countless ways. He was always willing to share his knowledge, offer guidance, or simply tell a story that brought perspective and connection to our important work. His generosity with his time to share his knowledge and his camaraderie left a lasting impact on all who worked alongside him. Paul was a true unionist and will be deeply missed by many. Vale Paul Blake.
- Hayley Moody
Paul was an absolutely exceptional human and committed unionist. He worked so hard for CPSU members over many years, was deeply respected by workplace delegates and CPSU staff and had great knowledge and wisdom to impart. Paul will be sorely missed, and our union will simply not be the same without him. Condolences to Paul's family, friends and union comrades.
- Brooke Muscat - National President
What an incredible privilege to have known Paul and have the honour of learning from his vast decades of experience. Paul was never short of a well thought out opinion, always keen to make sure people felt considered, inspired and heard. Paul lived his values and had a way of commanding a room. I loved working with him on training and other projects, and his various "do you mind if I go on a rant about…" topics. I'll never eat Tassie Salmon again, at least not until I can do so in a way that honours Paul's memory and the industry certainly isn't there now. I'm sure there are many delegates in the same boat especially those from the Brissy training course last year who eagerly listened to Paul passionately educate us all about Tassie Salmon for a solid 10mins. I'll be running training this week with colleagues and Paul's memory will be a blessing throughout as we'll be passing on knowledge Paul passed to us.
- Paige Wiles - DU unit
Paul was a mentor to so many unionists and didn't even know it! Paul was always ready with solid advice you could trust and encouragement when you needed it. I count myself incredibly lucky to have met Blakey. My thoughts are with my co-workers, Paul's loved ones and everyone who stood alongside him.
- Elida Faith
Truly special to work alongside Paul over all my time with the CPSU. He loved our members, delegates and staff. A person with passion and integrity whose legacy will live on with the many people he trained and mentored. We will miss you immensely.
- Sam Popovski
It was a pleasure to know and work with Paul for the past couple of years. I always knew I was in for a chuckle when his name popped up on my phone, and he passed on many valued lessons to my delegates and I. Paul played such a significant leadership role in our Union throughout the Voice campaign and in NATSIC more broadly. It was a pleasure to be able to learn from him and be encouraged by him to contribute meaningfully to our movement. He leaves a legacy at the CPSU and will be dearly missed.
- Ashley Sutherland
In my relatively short time with the union, my experience of working with Paul was always positive. He was always willing to help and show kindness to all he dealt with. Paul will be missed by the union. Thinking of his family and friends at this time. Vale Paul.
- Nicole McIntosh
Paul was one of the first faces I met from the CPSU when I first started as a Delegate. I remember his dry humour and how capably and easily he handled the room of new anxious trainees. His practiced demeanor and advice for being a good delegate was a big part of why I've ended up working for the CPSU today, where it was a pleasure to meet him again as a colleague. I always knew that any new delegates delivered to his training would get that same passionate training and come away inspired just like I was. Thank you Paul.
- Joey Cuderman
I had the honour and privilege of knowing and working with Paul for 20 years or more. He was a standup guy. Warm, funny, thoughtful, cheeky, and tough as nails when it was needed. Paul was mad about music, nature and surfing - all the stuff that really matters. He was generous with his time and became a cherished mentor to several generations of Tassie unionists. A terrible loss for his family, his many friends in Tassie and beyond as well as the labour movement. Rest well, brother.
- Dermot Browne
Very sad to hear of Paul's passing. He will be remembered as a giant of the Tasmanian union movement. Softly spoken, modest and with a wry wit Paul mentored dozens of delegates, union organisers and officials over three decades. With Paul it was never about him, but the positive influence he could bring, and his sage advice guided many, including me, through some turbulent times. I'll miss debating the merits of Tasmanian Pinot, the impact of the accord, and will miss following the adventures of Hawthorn bear. A true friend and comrade. Sympathy to Jill and Paul's family. Vale.
- Paul Girdler
Such sad news. Paul was a great bloke who will be missed by us all. He leaves behind a strong legacy. Condolences to his family, friends, and other colleagues. Rest in peace comrade.
- Lauren Di Salvia
Paul was a quiet, unassuming but no-nonsense union delegate who was a great supporter of the Union and its programs in the work place (Centrelink International Services.
- John Thompson
Such a wonderful man, always helpful and kind. Sending much love to his family at this time
- Tamika Coutts
Vale Paul, such a committed and dedicated unionist. A very valuable mentor to me during my journey with the CPSU. The Nipaluna/Hobart office of our union is a small and tight unit, and we've just lost a huge guiding light. I also really enjoyed Paul's insight into and love of Australian music. Here's a clip by amazing Bad//Dreems, the last gig myself and Zac went to with Paul - https://youtu.be/mPfkB-Y-y10. Play it loud and go see them on Paul's recommend. With love to Paul's family, Solidarity forever.
- Scott Plimpton, Governing Councillor Lutruwita Tasmania
Our first meeting was many years ago as a "new" organiser starting my CPSU journey in Sydney with you for training. Your calming influence, supportive ways and a world full of knowledge stays with me today... but equally so, the beers and good old chinwag putting the world to rights after training ended. You will be missed by many and remembered well into the future for being a gentleman and a scholar. Sleep easy Paul, and sincere and deepfelt condolences to your family and friends.
- Dawn McQuilkin
So sad to hear this news. Paul was a wonderful man, who always made time to visit us in the small regional office of 5 staff in Tassie and advocate on our behalf. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
- Dana Chick
This is very sad news. I can't help feeling that we lost Paul way too soon. Paul will be greatly missed by many of us. He was part of the furniture, and his wisdom and stories will be missed. Also, Paul was a good hearted, kind person, with great internal politics and he talked the talked and walked the walk. I always had a huge amount of respect for Paul. I will miss him terribly, and his dry, dark sense of humour was always appreciated. Paul was a pleasure to spend time with and a good work Comrade. I know our Delegates also loved and respected Paul in Delegate training. He had that way of stirring them up in day one of training, to get them engaging and talking, and it worked a treat every single time. That was the cheeky side of Paul. Paul knew how to get the best out of people. And the dad jokes were bad, but you couldn't help but laugh at them. Much love to Paul's family, friends and Comrades and to the greater CPSU family. Missed but not forgotten. We love you Paul xx
- Danielle Mutton
Sad to hear the news. A true gentleman. Condolences to his family.
- Christine Akorsu
Paul was my mentor and friend for the past 7 and a half years, and my boss, though it rarely felt that way. There is a massive hole in our movement with Paul's passing that few could ever attempt to even partly fill. Our eco warrior punk trade unionist everyman's legacy will be the thousands of union members, elected union representatives and union staff he shaped – through training, mentoring and friendship - leaving behind countless lessons, "Paulisms" and tidbits of life's wisdom for us all to adopt and adapt into our own lives. When I first started working under Paul, I always remember the first time I had a call from him over a weekend. I was at lunch with friends who said, "don't answer a call from your boss, it's the weekend!" I answered it anyway, it was Paul simply offering me tickets for a live gig he wasn't able to attend anymore. Paul was an incredibly generous soul in all manners of speaking, but especially so with his time to mentor and teach those around him. It is impossible to encapsulate all my thoughts and feelings about him because despite being so softly spoken and humble, he was such a big and unique personality. Paul was ever keen to remind anyone who would listen of the ills of introduced species like domestic cats, and his own role in combatting them – a cheeky moment of pride for Paul and not for this page. Paul's passion and commitment for our native ecosystems, in particular protecting Tasmania's pristine waterways from the Salmon farming industry was profound. Facts about the Maugean Skate and Macquarie Harbour will forever be etched into my brain. Paul took any opportunity he had to educate those around him on the environmental degradation caused by the Tasmanian salmon farming industry polluting marine environments, exploiting public waterways, causing animal suffering, relying on unsustainable wild fish feed, and operating with poor transparency and weak regulation. Paul had many distinctive traits and quirks which we will forever be reminiscing of, publicly and privately, but one much loved (or loathed) passion he had was for the ABC's financial journalist, Alan Kohler and his graphs. Those who worked closely with Paul knew each night he would record ABC News on his TV, and then review the finance segment and take a poor-quality photograph of his television showing Alan's nightly graph. The graph could be showing something as far-fetched as Big Mac consumption relative to housing prices, but Paul would consistently find a way to relate it back to unions. He was unstoppable. He would collate these photos in various folders, PowerPoint presentations, email them to those he worked with, use them in delegate training courses, and if you were lucky enough to be in the Tassy office he would even print these out for you. There are so many funny little Paulisms like this that we will miss each and every day, but that I also know will continue in our collective memories and actions moving forward. Vale Paul. Go the Hawks.
- Nick Rippon
So sad to hear of Paul's passing. A great union guy and a wonderful human being. Condolances to family, friends and the general uinion movement. RIP Paul
- Russell Foley
Paul, you were a fantastic Unionist who will be greatly missed Thanks for all of your service over the years
- Charmaine
Paul signed me up to the CPSU over 20 years ago. Such a genuine kind and caring gentleman with so much integrity. He has contributed so much to the movement and helped so many. Will miss you Paul. Deepest sympathy to the family
- Brooke Cooper
Deepest sympathies to Paul's family and his comrades in the Hobart office. You will be dearly missed, mate.
- Joshua Johnson
What a great loss. this continues a month of grief for me. I lost my sister Barb earlier this month and now Paul. A comrade, a friend and like my sister, taken far too soon. condolences to all affected. Vale.
- Garry Loughnan
Hey PB. My dear friend and Comrade I will always carry in my heart the laughter, the music, the concerts.,the discussions, the rallies and all the memories created. My heart is a little broken and life will be a little different without you in it. In unity and solidarity forever PB
- Giulia Corradetti
I met Paul at Uni and we shared a few beers when we should have been studying. Absolutely no nicer person walked this earth. It was only natural he would end up working for the union, supporting others' rights, pay and working conditions. I wish I had kept in contact with him. Sorry for your loss.
- Ian Nethery
I'm so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I have fond memories of him as a fellow union advocate but also in the pre-work days of The Doghouse. Wheatsheaf, Knopwoods ... always with a kind smile and witty aside. Condolences to his loved ones.
- Airlie Ward
My condolences to Paul's family on his passing - he was a comrade who acted with great courage, passion and integrity for members and his colleagues. He will be greatly missed.
- Lynette McBride
I am so saddened to hear this news. Love and thoughts to his family as well as his CPSU family. Paul was a lovely person with a huge heart and he will be dearly missed.
- Lee-Anne Robertson
Heartfelt sympathy and sharing the sad times to Paul's family, comrades and friends. Paul assisted me greatly during a very hard time I was experiencing in the workplace. His encouragement and leadership as a union delegate was constant with exemplary character. I am grateful for his service and commitment to the union movement.
- Brian Doran
This is incredibly sad news. I can't tell you how many people over the years when Paul's name came up, whether it was in the training space or working with Paul, they'd mention how Paul boosted their confidence and made them feel heard. I'm going to miss our vibrant debates, his dry wit, and the passion he brought to our union.
- James Cronin
My sincerest condolences to everyone who had the privilege of knowing Paul. Where do I begin? To keep it brief, I admired his creative thinking and his ability to tackle difficult situations with direct and often simple solutions. He was someone you could trust completely, like a vault. Paul was a mentor to me, always there when I needed support. Comrade, you will be greatly missed.
- Louise Jarman
Paul taught many of us the fundamentals of organising, and particularly, the importance of grass-roots level campaigning. I'll always be grateful for his sage advice and often funny, but always relevant and instructional stories. He will be deeply missed.
- James Nyks
So sad to hear this. Working with Paul was always a pleasure. His commitment to the members was second to none.
- Laura Hart
Paul, you were such an incredible inspiration each and every time we met, your passion strength and charisma was unmatched! ....... Sending all the light love and peace to your family at this time. Fly high great man xxx
- Aaron Barry
Through the good times of premiership wins to the not so good times of football, we were always together. We traveled, laughed and carried on through the decades together. You will be missed my friend.
- Hawthorne Bear
Vale Comrade Blake. I remember calling on Paul for support during the Telstra campaign over a decade ago at the union. He never hesitated to step up when it mattered. His dedication, strength & commitment to the cause of working people will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed. Forever in our hearts. ✊
- Steve Abboushi
The CPSU has lost one of its best. So many of us were mentored and supported by Paul over the years. Paul's values were solid: everything he did was about making our union stronger, and lifting others up. All done with the gleam of mischief in his eye. He will be forever missed.
- Rebecca Fawcett
Blakey, living his values everyday. So generous with new starters. Always speaking up for Tasmania. Host of the BEST party down on Carlton Peninsula during YRAW/ his birthday. A serious fighter for public services & public service employment. Irreplaceable!
- Cindy
Paul was the real deal like few people ever manage to be. If more of us aspired to be genuinely alive and truly committed to making the world better, like Paul, the world would be a much better place.
- John Pearson
You will be missed my friend. always available for a chat and always a true comrade, mentor and friend. Farewell and thank you for the memories.
- Glenn Blackmore
Vale Paul. A great comrade.
- Peter Feltham
A great educator and an inspiration. It was always good when you had a chance to talk with him.
- Anders Russell
Paul's passion for unionism was evident in everything he did. He was also great to just sit around and have a chat with. I'm glad I got to see him again at the WA delegates training last year when he came to visit us all in the WA office. We'll miss you Paul.
- Michelle Hackett
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of our comrade, Paul. To Paul's family and loved ones, he has made such a positive impact on the lives of our members and his colleagues. He will be sorely missed by everyone.
- Graeme Price
A staunch comrade, a hugely effective and influential member of the CPSU team; but above all, a wonderful person to know. Miss you already mate...
- Evan Walton
So sorry to read of this. Paul was a dedicated and hard working comrade. My condolences to his family and friends
- Dee Hadley
Paul leaves a lasting legacy of cheeky wit and solidarity which we will all carry with us. He was a stanch comrade, generous trainer and blessed with an inquisitive mind. Paul has left the world a better place and I'll miss seeing him around our union.
- Katrina Byrne
Paul was an incredible influence on my life and career. A friend and comrade for decades. I will miss him dearly ♥️
- Jess Munday
Condolence to his family and close friends. I met Paul at union delegate training in 2024, he had lots of knowledge and knew so much, he shared some great jokes amongst the training. You will be missed
- Tracey
I was taken a bit by surprise to hear this news as I have a lot of respect for Paul and it is always sad to hear of such dedicated person passing. I only met Paul a few times and heard him in a teams channel from time to time and it is clear we have lost a really dedicated unionist! Please pass on my condolences and thoughts for his family and friends.
- Jonathan Stallard
A true gentleman in every sense of the word. I remember with fondness the many conversations, debates and discussions about whatever issues we were involved in as well as the "what if's " and hypotheticals (& sometimes cryptic) talks. Paul, mate, a glass of port and salute raised to you, until we meet again.
- Bill Marklew
When I looked at Paul, I just thought 'There's a guy who's fought a thousand battles for our members. So much wisdom and wry wit. So cool.' I'll miss his willingness to say it like it is while coming alongside organisers and delegates. Just a legend. He had the top CPSU position in Tassie and gave it up because thought it was the right thing to do to give another person a crack. That's Paul. I'm glad I saw you just a few months back, Comrade. My best wishes to all who love him.
- Erik Rasmussen
Paul was a one in a million person and I will remember his way of saying the funniest things and constantly digressing from the subject in delegate training sessions ❤️
- Christine Bennett
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was a such a warm, principled and decent person who'll be sorely missed. I always enjoyed his humour and thoughtful approach. Vale Paul x
- Jenness Gardner
Paul trained me as a delegate, and opened my eyes to what unionism is all about. He was such a down to earth, confident, strong and typical unionist and really motivated me to be active in supporting workers. I am sorry to hear of Paul's passing - a loss to the Union movement.
- Gail
So sad to hear this awful news. I work as a delegate alongside Paul for many years and had enormous respect for his abilities and empathy towards other members. Deepest condolences to his family.
- Chris Fallon
Paul had the look of humility, it was in his eyes. Along with that was the half smile, he was at peace with the world. Paul was sympathetic He always chose his words in a respectful way, and his open-mindedness took that reluctance, when speaking what was in your mind. He was easy to be fond of, and I will miss him dearly.Too young, to young, oh what a sad shame.
- Neville Rodman
My Sincere Condolences to Paul's family. Paul was an Amazing man who"s passion to keep those "@#$%&!* righties outside" (one of his many sayings that made me laugh) gave me the strength to keep fighting for the hard working Lefties. Paul was a great educator, mentor and unbeatable strength of the CPSU. I have so many found memories of Paul telling his story at conferences, training days, social events and office meetings. These are memories I have always treasured and will carry forever. Thank you Uncle Paul now is your time to take your passion to the universe. Love with Light Dele xx
- Adele Davis
Paul was a giant of the CPSU. His knowledge and memory of our Union was second to none. To have been a small part of his time at the Union was a true privilege. For the second time in his career, Paul stepped back from the Tasmanian Regional Secretary role to give me a shot, but not after training me up first! It was imperative that I learn exactly what our delegates did, that members and delegates could drop in any time for a chat and to always keep an eye on our stats. The members were everything to Paul and he put so much time and love in to developing hundreds of the best across the country. I'll always remember that the message is only just starting to get through when we feel like vomiting because we have said it so much and that solidarity with our fellow Regional Secretaries is a must. And every time I watch Alan Kohler's segment on ABC News, I'll think of him and what lesson there is in it for our union. To Jill and Charlotte - having a family member in the union means a lot of sacrifice. Thank you for sharing him with the movement. We are all better for it. Our union is better and stronger for it. Vale Paul Blake.
- Maddy Northam
I first met and worked with Paul as a fellow Centrelink delegate waaaay back when, and then over the years in our various roles within the CPSU. Paul was a comrade I always trusted to be kind, generous, and helpful both professionally and personally. He shared his knowledge and time honestly, with good humour and without hesitation. Paul often guided me patiently through all manner of challenges during my time with the CPSU, and what was best for members was always paramount in his mind. I valued our long rambling yarns about random topics that somehow still always ended up being about music. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and comrades who I don't doubt will miss him dearly. What a great loss to all who knew him. xT.
- Natasha Joyce
What I'll remember most about Paul is how much fun he had doing the work he was so dedicated to. Paul lifted up everyone around him. He will be very missed.
- D'Arcy Horam
So saddened to hear this news. Paul introduced me to the union movement so many years ago. He was a key figure and there for me every step of my journey from member to delegate to organiser. I feel honoured to have worked alongside side him in both Tasmania and Victoria. He will live on in our hearts and the union movement together.
- Lucy Morley
Vale Paul, I will miss you. Your dedication to educating and supporting our Delegates, Members and comrades was unwavering. Thank you for all the banter, stories and being a great human. Don't worry there will be no Tassie Smoked Salmon at training, I'll keep an eye on that! Sending thoughts of strength and support to your beloved.
- Wendy Ogden Dodd
Such a loss, such a lovely bloke. Just one story: I was up the East Coast many years ago having a mini-break from Hobart's winter, I'd posted a couple of pics to FB and Paul picked up on this. He sent a pm saying "I'm at the block at Orford, call in on your way back". Which I did, soent an hour or so with Paul at the van, had a cuppa, and learned all about why he bought the land, and as young guy with not many means it was an impressive thing yo do. That's why I've said a couple of times lately that he was well ahead of Bush Heritage in using his own money to take habitat away from commercial interest only intent on profits and destruction. Paul will be so missed.
- Greg Rubock
So sad to hear this news. Paul was a wonderful comrade, mentor, trainer and friend to so many of us. It is hard to think about the CPSU without him. Love to his family and Tassie comrades.
- Bronwyn Parris
This is such sad news- the thing I'll remember most about Paul is that he was so genuine in the way that he would connect with people. He was an admirable comrade and his passing is such a massive loss to his family and the movement. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
- Matthew Wainscott
Paul Blake was my dear friend, workmate and mentor. Paul employed me at the CPSU in 2013 and has taught me so much about unions, life, music and changing things for the better. I have been fortunate to work closely with him again these past few years., sharing an office and often a training room , daily life chats, and again learning from him. He was a decent man who lived his values . And taught us all not to eat Tasmanian salmon. I will miss him terribly, his dry wit, sense of the absurd and his strength and constancy. He was a cornerstone (patriarch? footy coach?) of our office. His death leaves a hole, not just in the work, but in the rhythms of our days. While being anti authoritarian, Paul was a fan of office ritual, and we will have to find ways to continue the (crossword, lemon tart, this is a pub conversation, etc) traditions he instigated. I know Paul was important to many, many CPSU folk, my love goes out especially to Giulia, Jo, Zac, Josh, Robyn, Nick, Jess, his RD and DU workmates. Paul was generous in sharing and teaching, and those from the Tassie office, and many interstate, will continue to work with his voice in our ears. I'm proud to be from the Paul Blake school of organising. My love also goes Charlotte and Jill and all of Paul's family. Thank you for sharing him with us and especially for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye to him on Saturday..
- Jen Fitzgerald
Paul is such a loss, such a good human. He helped, pushed and encouraged so many others, always embodying his belief in the power of union, of the collective voice and action. Yes we remember his dry wit, his 'rants' but behind that laconic style he was so smart, determined and tough when needed. He's also the only bloke I've ever known in the movement to step down as a state secretary so a young woman could step up… twice. My condolences to Paul's family, mates and union comrades.
- Nadine Flood
I was very sad to hear this news - Paul was always incredibly encouraging and supportive in every interaction I had with him at the CPSU. I always came away from his training sessions feeling good about the work I do here. Many people have shared similar thoughts about the way he lifted people up, which I think is a testament to his great character. My thoughts are with all of his loved ones during this time.
- Curtis Dickson
Very sad to hear this. Thoughts are with Jill and the family. I worked on a number of national campaigns with Paul while I was in the SA Branch. I remember him for his dry sense of humour and a cheeky grin. A great servant who worked hard for Tassie union members and a great leader. Time flies....memories remain.
- Paul Roberts
Sincerely shocked and saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was a dedicated, compassionate man who will be sorely missed. My condolences to all his friends and family at this difficult time.
- Caroline Honner
Very sad news. We were lucky to have had Paul in our lives. A very gifted people person.
- Allan Van Dullemen
Paul's quiet sincerity, dedication and commitment to the betterment of conditions for workers will not be forgotten. Very sad news indeed.
- Ross Coad
Vale Paul Blake - a lovely, kind , thoughtful and inspiring man. Paul was trusted and respected because he had integrity, a real fire in the belly, and worked hard for our union and members. He was also easy to like and heap of fun to be around - some beers, some stories, and that mischievous smile made for a good night. We shared a love of waves, loud music and the conviction that joining with other people to work on making the world a better place was a key to a good life. All my memories of Paul are that things were better when he was around. And I know he had that effect on lots of people. My thoughts are with his family, friends and comrades.
- Michael Tull
My life has been so much richer for having Paul in it. Paul was the essence of strong words gently spoken, well, to loose canons like me any way. I am so proud that he once said one campaign, so, so, so long ago, I was involved in inspired him. His comment made me cry then and as I remember the miniscule role it had in his life I cry again for the generosity he showed. He was the one when we had to meet with Erica (u know who) to save 59 professional IT jobs in Tassie, 1. Did it, and 2. Told me it was something I should not be in the room for. Vale mate, we'll sing the songs together again, one fine day
- Kev. Collidge
Paul was an easy-going, patient, wise and helpful person. No matter how busy, he always made time to provide sage advice. And he had a very dry sense of humour to boot. A genuinely decent person who will be missed but always appreciated and remembered. Sincere condolences to Paul's family, friends, and colleagues.
- Stuart Commin (former workplace delegate)
Paul will be greatly missed. I will miss the regular discussions and reminders not to eat the Salmon, the time Paul took to drive me up the top of the mountain, in the blizzard cold - the laughs we had over the years about this, the drinks and chats at the pub and the ear and shoulder he always offered. My deepest condolences to Charlotte and Jill. Someone so special will never be forgotten.
- Mel Payne
Paul made our lives better. Made Tasmania better. Made the world better. Not for him, but for us.
- Gilbert Potts
Pauls' immense union knowledge and enthusiasm for the cause will be remembered by me and I suspect all of us that were trained and came across him in the CPSU. Thank you Paul and you will be missed.
- Melissa Fellows
"Solidarity is the tenderness of the peoples." That's Paul. An excellent man - staunch, fierce, clever and gentle. I relished our conversations about the craft of organising; how and why we can do and be better as organisers and humans; and what motivates people. Paul & I had different musical passions … though we found common ground in lyrics about unity, equality, freedom and smashing capitalism. Working on the Unions for Yes campaign with Jo, Paul, and Sally was a privilege. Our members overwhelming support justice for First Nations people thanks to the work of Paul and our comrades — and they're motivated to bring more people to the cause. Solidarity to Jo and CPSU NATSIC members, and to all who knew and loved Paul.
- Emma Groube
A great Australian. A great Tasmanian. A great human.
- John Parsons
Paul was deeply respected and held in high esteem by his colleagues and will be sadly missed.
- Bobby Hernandez
I was terribly sad to learn of Paul's passing. We had many years working together, organising workers in Centrelink. Paul was such a dedicated and committed trade unionist, always believing that collectively we could achieve the fair go for working people. Paul, you were a wonderful comrade to have in the trenches, always supportive and always with a kind word of encouragement. I loved our late night "strategy" discussions over an ale or two, always having time for one more. Rest easy comrade.
- Mark Gepp
Paul is a clear example that you can walk kindly, softly and gently in this world whilst still leaving a massive mark upon the world. My thoughts are with Paul's family and friends at this time. He will be greatly missed for all of his work especially the incredible work he has done in support Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander causes and members. Vale Paul!
- Ikini
Vale Paul. You will be greatly missed. I appreciate the time we spent together as Regional Secs and then having the pleasure of your visits to SA as our most popular Delegate Trainer. You will leave a gap not only in these spaces but also in the work you were so dedicated to through NATSIC. Thank you for your friendship. Hugest condolences to Jill and all of your family and friends.
- Liz Temple
I was lucky enough to have Paul delivering training for me in person up in Brisbane a few years ago. He was the best union trainer I had ever had and probably will ever have. He was so calm and knowledgeable and dedicated to the movement. I was thinking recently that I wondered if he was still doing in person training and hoping our new delegates might get him as a trainer. I was so sad to hear that his family and comrades would be without him. Hopefully acknowledging our memories of him will at least provide a tiny lightening of that sadness and loss for a moment.
- Katie