Prior to joining the institute Imelda’s background was linked primarily to education and/or communication. Although she has worked in a range of settings from stripping cane for pocket money as a school kid to picking grapes, to communications relay in an international bank and the University of Sydney, her most significant and memorable collection of experiences comes from a thirteen year stint with Australia’s indigenous dance training institution, the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association.

As the Project Officer, she played a primary role in the implementation, publicity and promotion of dance and dance in education, performances, teaching and workshopping programs in schools and communities linking metropolitan to rural and remote areas nationwide and the Torres Straits, national and international touring, with the focus of promoting understanding and appreciation for Australia’s indigenous heritage.