In May 1991, the program had reached its 'conservative' era, and modelling experience, rather than entertainment attributes, was the prerequisite for the job. When working with a new host who was clearly 'still learning', on a show whose production team seemed to be aiming for simplicity, Jo didn't gain much opportunity to create a following for herself. She must have been doing something right, though. Her modelling ability, obviously caught the imagination of Sale's producers, because they signed her on as a model in March 1991, and, two months later, found herself as the program's hostess. It was evident that she was 'thrown in at the deep end', without the necessary training. Not much was said in favour of her 'simple' performance and nasal renditions of the prize reads, and she became a running joke on The Late Show.

Before I get too far, though, I think that it's only fair to point out that I'm probably being too cruel too soon. After all, Sale WAS her first on-camera job. There aren't too many television personalities who wouldn't prefer to have their earlier work destroyed and forgotten. She left Sale to begin work as host/reporter on Nine's infotainment (God, I hate that word!) program, Looking Good, and even the most cynical television writers commented on her seemingly-new-found charisma, eloquence and general on-camera ability.

Upon finishing high school in 1988, she studied accounting for two years, then enrolled in a marketing course at Swinburn Institute. She combined her marketing studies with part-time modelling, and the latter eventually became a full-time commitment.

Since working on Looking Good, Jo has done some work for Foxtel, as the spokesperson for Melbourne's Crown Entertainment Complex and has appeared on a number of Brand Power commercials. She has been an active supporter of such charities as the Royal Guide Dog Association of Victoria and the Royal Children's Hospital, and has participated in their fund-raising and awareness activities. On the sporting side, she has shown interest in aerobics and social tennis. Her family is a strong source of support for the Carlton football team, perhaps they are slightly biased, considering that it's the team for which her husband, Steve Silvagni, plays.

In 1997, Jo launched a line of Jo Bailey Jeans, and, on December 17 that year, gave birth to her first child, Jack. She has successfully built a career in 'something.' As for her Sale days? Well, let's put them down to 'work experience'!