Sandra Margaret Warren (nee Smith) was born at Crown Street Women's Hospital in Sydney. Her mother was Rachel Elizabeth Tonacia from Junee and her biological father was Douglas Leeton Sims from Bungendore. Her adoptive father was Thomas Lawrence Smith from Coolamon. At fifty-four years of age, Sandy went to TAFE and completed a Diploma Course in Aboriginal Studies. As part of the course, she wrote a children's book, called When I Was.