Jenni Brammall

Head of Collections, Programs and Research

Principal’s Representative, AOC Stage 1

Jenni Brammall is the AOC’s Head of Collections, Programs and Research, and Principal’s Representative to the AOC building project.

A palaeontologist, gemmologist, opal valuer, and valuer of fossils and opal-related items for the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, Jenni has developed and implemented the AOC’s programs; fostered relationships in the opal, gemstone industry, tourism, scientific research, education, museum and cultural sectors; secured and delivered local, NSW and Federal government grant-funded projects; curated, managed and presented more than 30 AOC exhibitions and events, and managed the AOC's nationally significant museum collection. She serves on the AOC Building Subcommittee, Visitor Experience & Exhibitions Planning Committee and Fundraising Committee.

Jenni’s 35 year career also includes postgraduate research and fieldwork in vertebrate palaeontology; scientific photography; employment as a scientific research assistant and university tutor; business administration, journalism, photography, writing, graphic design, publishing, event management and exhibition development; and opal cutting, carving, sales, marketing and jewellery design.

From 2004 until early 2019, Jenni managed Lightning Ridge Opal & Fossil Centre then the Australian Opal Centre, overseeing its development from a concept to a substantial reality, and from reliance on local government seed funding to being a self-funding, nationally significant not-for-profit entity. Since 2019, Jenni’s roles with the AOC have also included Special Projects Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

Jenni serves on the Reserve Trust for Lightning Ridge Historical Reserve, the Opal Group of the Gemmological Association of Australia, the editorial committee of The Australian Gemmologist and the Australian representative group on opal to the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO). She is a Life Member of Lightning Ridge Historical Society, a Life Member and Founder of the AOC and a former board member of Lightning Ridge Tourism Association. Jenni holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons 1), a Diploma in Gemmology, Post Certificate in Scientific Photography, Certificates II and IV in opal cutting, and National Council of Jewellery Valuers accreditation.