About us
Welcome to the vibrant world of Irish social dancing and folk music! We are a group of passionate dancers and musicians who founded our community in 2024. At ISDAV, we are dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich traditions of Irish dance. We also recognise we need to modernise and innovate to keep Irish social dancing relevant and appealing to new audiences. A tricky balance, but one we’re keen to explore together!
​
Our experienced callers, talented musicians and welcoming community make learning and participating in Irish social dancing a joyful experience for all. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, we have something for everyone.
Our Committee

Founding member
Gail McCann
From her early days walking across a small country town to Saint Joseph Convent, Gail went on to spend four years studying classical music at Sydney Conservatorium. With two pianos in her small cottage near the Kinglake National Park, a tune can always be heard as she moves through the house – the music juxtaposed with bird calls and the songs of the wild. As the years passed, Gail became involved in other genres besides classical music. Folk, jazz, old-time, and now Irish music have been part of this journey.
Gail, ever the romantic poet, describes her love of dance and music - “To play the tunes is to dance. When I am dancing, I am singing or lilting the tunes. When I am playing, I am dancing. To be dancing in a ceilidh, is to be free.”​
​
​
​
​

Founding member
Joan Mundy
A former swimming teacher, Joan discovered music as a young child, her mother offering house-cleaning services in exchange for piano lessons from Miss Guthris. Joan was not a particularly good student (preferring to play by ear than read music) but these lessons did spark a lifelong love of music. At the age of 43 she took to playing piano accordion, a more portable and convenient instrument. Joan is a devoted member of many folk music organisations, joining the Victorian Folk Music Club (VFMC) in the 1970’s, and then in the 80’s, Comhaltas Melbourne. Joan joined in founding ISDAV because of her love of music, particularly her passion for playing for dancers.
​
Known for her baking skills, her fruitcake and rhubarb cake have become legendary among friends. Married to her “Hun” Ray for an impressive 62 years, Joan finds joy in music sessions, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.

Founding member
Marie Brouder
Born and raised in Ireland, Marie has been passionate about Irish social dancing since the early 1980’s. With years of experience dancing and teaching, including competing in set dance competitions with Leixlip in County Kildare, Marie is undoubtedly someone you want in your dance crew corner. Marie has joined the ISDAV committee as she loves helping others and she wants to be able to teach set dancing for as long as she can.
When she’s not dancing or working, you will find Marie curled up with her reading, which she describes as her “favourite vice”.
​
​​
​
​​
​
​
​
​

Founding member and Secretary
Matthew Harriage
Matthew has been involved in dance and music his whole life. He fondly recalls attending many colonial and old-time dances as a young boy - the supper and being allowed to drink soft drink the highlights at the time. At the age of 12 he joined his first band, Borderline Kaylee, playing at festivals and for dances.
​
With 20 years’ experience playing music for dancers and a further 10 years teaching Irish social dancing, Matthew is known for his lively and welcoming classes and workshops. He sees being a part of ISDAV as an opportunity to showcase Irish social dancing and bring dance events to a wide audience.
​
When he’s not dancing or driving trains, Matthew likes to spend his time restoring old motorcycles and cars, playing concertina and hosting parties. Never far from a cup of tea, Matthew is a skillful baker – lemon meringue pie, fruitcake and scones are his most requested sweet treats.
​

Founding member
Raymond Mundy
An electrical fitter by trade and a father of four, Raymond (alongside wife Joan) spent 42 years working and learning to farm in Arthurs Creek, Victoria. Ray first picked up the guitar at the age of 32 and has been playing regularly ever since.
A life member of the Victorian Folk Music Club (VFMC) and Comhaltas Melbourne, Ray is a committed folkie. He enjoys travelling around Australia with his wife and the caravan, popping in (and performing) at many a folk festival over the years. Raymond is also a dedicated committee man, lending his vast knowledge and experience to several worthwhile causes. We recommend asking him for the story about the faulty hot water service during his tenure on the Arthurs Creek Hall Committee.
​
An avid reader of non-fiction, Ray is knowledgeable about many topics and is one of our favourite people to talk with. His library is impressive, with some of his topics of choice being autobiographies of politicians and First Nations Australian histories.​

Founding member
Sue Harriage
With a career as a Library Technician and a passion for audio visuals and sound, Sue leverages her unique skill set to make significant contributions to her students and the community. She brings with her years of experience in the folk genre and is a former long-term committee member of both the Victorian Folk Music Club (VFMC) and the Folk Song & Dance Association of Victoria (FSDAV). Well versed in leading a dance community, Sue sees being a part of ISDAV as an opportunity to evolve the Irish social dancing culture in Victoria. With a willingness to slot in wherever needed, Sue is the one who makes sure our events run smoothly.
​
Sue can usually be found living a quiet life in the bush, making friends with all variety of animals.​
​
​
​
​
​
​