Elizabeth Perkins (1933-2004) was born in Brisbane on 8 April 1933. She completed her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and PhD with University of Queensland. In 1970 she took up a lecturer's position at James Cook University and remained there until her retirement in 1996. Elizabeth was involved with several North Queensland Theatre groups including the Townsville Little Theatre, the Tropic Line Theatre, and she was a member of the New Moon Theatre board. Elizabeth supported the drama, art, music and literature of North Queensland and was regarded as a significant contributor to the Townsville cultural scene. She became the founding member of many arts bodies. In 2002 she was awarded the Order of Australia for her services to the Arts.