Jill grew up in a Housing Commission house in Walker Street Redfern, the daughter of social activist, Betty Makin. She was one of 5 children and her parents were from Redfern and The Rocks. Her cultural background had Aboriginal, Jewish and English origins. She has very detailed memories of life in Redfern. Jill  was interviewed by Sue Rosen in June 1995 as part of the South Sydney Social History Project.