[3][4] Born on 3 January 1970 and growing up on a family farm, Galen, 8 km (5 mi) from Manilla in northern New South Wales, Coote attended a private Catholic school near Tamworth.
[8] The urgency was due to complications of viral-induced tonsilitis that dramatically weakened her heart.
[5] In 1999, Coote was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her public awareness promotion of heart disease, and for her work raising funds for seriously and terminally ill children.
[9] Coote has also worked in promotions for Willow Valley, a cereal manufacturer, and Dairy Farmers.
Called "Fiona's Wish", it is a hybrid tea (bush rose) and the bi-coloured blooms are cherry red, edged with gold reverse.