Jeanette was born in South Africa. She completed a Bachelor of Arts, Higher Education Diploma and a Diploma in Library and Information Science at the University of Cape Town.
Jeanette moved to Australia in 1998 and lived in Busselton for over 13 years. Following waitressing and shop assistant work while travelling and studying, she worked as a High School Teacher and a School Librarian.
Jeanette and her family moved to Margaret River in 2011 as they needed a change and felt that Margaret River had an appealing environment and community. She attended an Arts Margaret River Welcome Day morning tea in 2012 where she met and befriended a group of fellow newcomers. She then volunteered her services and was promptly enlisted to assist with the 2013 Readers and Writers Festival. At the 2013 Arts Margaret River AGM, Jeanette joined the Board of Management as Secretary.
