Janet is the daughter of Margaret Golder and Sammy Petyarre. Her grandfather is Old Henry Petyarre and renowned artists Angelina Ngale and Polly Ngale are her grandmothers. Famed artist Greeny Purvis (deceased) is Janet's uncle.

Janet is married to Ronnie Bird, son of artists, Paddy and Eileen Bird. Together they have four children, Rochelle, Renedy, Katrina and Troyton. Janet would have been taught to paint by her family and has been painting since 1997. The major subject is Atnwelarre - Pencil Yam.