A tragic incident has shaken the foundations of the Australian film community, leaving colleagues and creatives stunned. The unexpected death of a prominent figure — someone known not only for her leadership but for her unwavering passion — has prompted an outpouring of grief.

Just days ago, she had stepped down from one of the country’s most visible roles in the fight for gender equity in the screen industry. No one could have imagined that the farewell would be so final. Social media tributes began flooding in within hours, describing her as “a force,” “a friend,” and “a true light in the industry.”

For over two decades, she had been a tireless contributor to film and television — juggling roles as producer, manager, advocate, and mentor — often all at once. Her collaborators spoke of her sharp mind, generous spirit, and ability to bring ambitious ideas to life under even the tightest deadlines.

Only now has it been confirmed that the woman the industry has lost is Liz Tomkins, the Queensland-born film producer and former Chair of Women in Film and Television (WIFT), who died in a road accident on Monday at the age of just 42.

Her resume included landmark productions like The Pacific (produced by Steven Spielberg), the sci-fi series Terra Nova, and the Doctor Who spin-off K9. Her most recent project, the 2024 horror film Rippy, featured The Terminator star Michael Biehn.

WIFT praised her as “an inspirational and dynamic leader,” noting that her tenure had brought the organisation to unprecedented levels of visibility and impact. Friends and fans now mourn the loss of a visionary whose influence will be felt for years to come.