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Jo-Anne Driessens


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Jo-Anne was adopted in 1970 and raised in the Western suburbs of Brisbane, her discovery of her Aboriginal family members was led by an interest in photography beginning at the Queensland Museum, Anthropology Lab (now Cultures and History) in the early 90’s followed by the completion of a four year photographic cadetship at the State Library of Queensland in 1999. She continued to work at the State Library of Queensland over a 15-year-period broadening her knowledge, skills and appreciation for Aboriginal family history records and resources. Jo-Anne has also learnt throughout her journey, that she is a Koa person with historical connections to Cherbourg (Barambah), Woorabinda and Yarrabah communities.

She currently works at the City of Gold Coast, as part of the Arts and Culture team supporting programs and initiatives that assist in the development of local artists. A key action is to value and elevate Indigenous Culture as part of the City of Gold Coasts Culture Strategy 2023, which was launched in 2013.

As Seniors Arts and Culture Project Officer since 2014, she has successfully assisted in the growth and development of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists as part of the South Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp. The 5-day camp has been identified as a quality incubator program for artists and arts industry experts to learn, share and experience new boundaries in art making and processes.


Learn more about the Custodianship Program.