Julie McCarron-Benson grew up in Canowindra, a small town in the central west of NSW, Australia. She attended Canowindra Public School and Cowra High School, moved to Canberra as a school leaver to work in the Commonwealth Public Service, went nursing, got married, had three kids, and went to the Australian National University. She has worked, amongst other positions, as a shop assistant, a movie usher, a security guard, and a professional carer. She worked for several NGOs. She spent a significant period totally immersed in politics as an Australian Democrat at the local Canberra level and the National level. She opened a café, set up a business manufacturing gourmet foods, and established an event management business specializing in wedding coordination. She has held art exhibitions. Julie would prefer to read, loves gardening, and attending the opera. Her many friends ensure that her alcohol tolerance level remains comparatively high.