Barbara James

Barbara James (née Johnson) (9 November 1943 – 31 March 2003) was an author, historian, journalist, political adviser and activist based in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.

James was on night duty in the ABC newsroom when Cyclone Tracy struck Darwin in December 1974.

She became involved in citizen's groups actively liaising with Darwin residents as a community consultant for the then Department of Urban and Regional Development, the Australian Council of Social Services, the Cities Commission and the Environment Centre in Darwin for which she was the executive officer for four years.

James also worked for Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Clare Martin, and is credited for persuading her to enter politics.

[12] Barbara James house, an accommodation facility for cancer patients in Darwin, is named in her honor.