Lorina Baker grew up in western New South Wales at Weilmoringle or Wayilmarrangkalku which means 'old man saltbush' in the Muruwari language. She is a descendant of the Mjruwari people of Weilmoringle and Brewarrina, and the Wangkumara people of Bourke, in the north-west New South Wales. Baker holds a BA, M. Litt, and a GDEd (University of New England) and has been a Student Support Officer at the Oorala Centre University of New England and an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer with the New South Wales Department of Education and Training.