Dolla Merrillees is the daughter of an Australian diplomat & archaeologists. A nomadic childhood was spent traipsing around archaeological dig sites & engaging in diplomatic protocol in various war-torn countries including Lebanon, Cambodia & Israel, equipping her with skills she believes has helped her to negotiate stepfamily life. She was educated at St Clare’s, Oxford & Deakin University, Melbourne. She has worked for over a decade in museums & galleries as a curator & consultant.