Eileen Perkins is a descendant of one of Adelaide's prominent German Lutheran families. She met Charles Perkins in January 1961 at a soccer dance and they married in September that year. Soon after, the couple moved to Sydney, where Charles had been awarded a scholarship to study political science at Sydney University. They had two daughters, Hetti and Rachel, and a son, Adam. Eileen worked part-time to supplement the family income and supported Charles during his career in the public service and work as an Indigenous rights campaigner.
The Gallery will be open until 9pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.