Jane Arnold was born in a fringe-dweller camp on the outskirts of Mitchell in south-west Queensland. During her childhood, Arnold and her family were removed to Deebing Creek Mission, and then to the Salvation Army Purga Mission near Ipswich. Jane Arnold is the mother of Ettie Gleeson-Arnold (q.v.), who was born in Cherbourg after Arnold was placed in Cherbourg Mission.
Arnold devoted much of her life to improving the living conditions of Aboriginal people. A highly respected Brisbane Elder, stateswoman, and community leader, she founded many Indigenous community organisations and services in the education, health, culture, and housing sectors, including the Jane Arnold Hostel in Queensland.
