Jill was a remarkable woman who shaped the foundations of dance in Queensland. A student of Pat Mead and Phyllis Danaher, then becoming a dedicated teacher whose creative and knowledgeable approach inspired generations. Many of her students went on to perform with Queensland Ballet Society productions (BTQ) and then to prestigious companies both in Australia and overseas, reflecting her enduring passion for nurturing young dancers.

For so many, including Carmel Nolan, who trained with Jill from Primary through to Solo Seal, she provided not just outstanding tuition, but a strong and enduring foundation in ballet that continues to ripple through our community today.

Jill contributed enormously to dance education in Queensland, opening doors for more young dancers to access quality ballet training within the school system, while also maintaining a vibrant performance career, choreographing and presenting works for theatre companies such as Twelfth Night and for major events including the Commonwealth Games and the Lord Mayor’s Christmas in Storyland at Brisbane City Hall each year.