Ms Skalban was born in Poland and came to Australia in 1968. She has extensive experience in community work in the multicultural field, particularly in aged care.

Ms Skalban has been on various community and departmental committees responsible for the initiation of numerous ethno-specific services. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Spanish and Italian major), a Bachelor of Social Administration and a Masters of Business Administration. Prior to her current employment with Domiciliary Care S.A. as Multicultural Consultant, Ms Skalban set up linkage and advocacy services in the metropolitan area, Whyalla and the Riverland. She has also worked with refugees and victims of domestic violence.

Ms Skalban has been actively involved in the Polish community for many years, and currently is President of the Polish Women's Association in Adelaide.

She is a member of the National Cross Cultural Dementia Network and the Australian College of Health Service Executives. Ms Skalban is also a member of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Consumer Advisory Council, International Women’s Day Committee of South Australia, Migrant Women’s Lobby Group and Adelaide Kiwanis. 

In December 2000 Ms Skalban was awarded the Gold Cross for services to the Polish community by the Polish Government. In June 2005 she was awarded an OAM for services to the community, particularly through multicultural and aged care organisations.