'Jillian Boyd budding author, poet and songwriter. Jillian is a Torres Strait Islander who is passionate about her people, culture and shaping our future leaders, our children and youth. Jillian was born and raised on Thursday Island in the Torres Straits. Her mother, Edith (nee Sailor) was born on Erub (Darnley Island) in the Eastern Island group and her father David was born and raised in Queenstown, New Zealand.
At 15, Jillian discovered her passion and talent for creative writing, however her focus changed when she became a young mother at 20, and her dreams were put on hold. The single mother of six children moved to Brisbane in 2000 to embrace opportunities for their future. Over the years she had written the odd poem or two, left unfinished stories and manuscripts lying around the house, posted up inspirational quotes in her home and written songs for the Church she attended regularly. At the age of 41 she decided to start writing professionally.' (State Library of Queensland website www.slq.qld.gov.au)