My Journey
From challenges to innovation: The story behind The Challenge is 2 Ask the Best Question
A Journey of Transformation
How personal challenges became the foundation for innovative solutions
Early Beginnings
My journey began in Boulder, a small town in the central goldfields of Western Australia. Born into a rich cultural heritage—50% from Roman times with the family name 'Orazi or Horatius', 25% Irish from the O'conner Kerry Clan, and 25% Dalmatian—I was also later adopted into the Wongatha Wonganarra Peoples, making me 100% Australian WONGI ABORIGINAL in spirit and community.
This diverse cultural background gave me a unique perspective on identity and belonging, themes that would later influence my approach to creating inclusive technology solutions.
In year 4 at St Joseph Primary Boulder, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. While my math scores were high, I struggled significantly with spelling, coming last in the national schools spelling test. This early challenge could have defined me as "less than," but instead, it became the catalyst for developing alternative ways of learning and understanding.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the challenges of dyslexia, I thrived in the education environment because I always asked good questions, and my teachers always cared enough to support the way I learned. By year 7, I had transformed from "the dumb special kid" to Head Boy, winning the Christian leadership award, the swimming carnival, and the sports carnival.
I discovered that what others perceived as limitations could become strengths when approached with curiosity and determination. Learning that Albert Einstein was also dyslexic inspired me to pursue understanding in physics and mathematics, areas where my spatial intelligence and ability to grasp complex concepts served me well.
My educational journey continued through high school, where I graduated with honors in Physics and Math. Though I initially struggled at university, this apparent setback led me to my true calling in information technology and education.
Early Education
1980s-1990s
Diagnosed with dyslexia in year 4, struggled with traditional learning but excelled in mathematics and problem-solving. Became Head Boy in year 7 and developed a reputation for asking insightful questions.
High School Achievement
1990s
Graduated with honors in Physics and Math from John Paul College. Selected as one of 9 WA representatives to attend the Queens Trust National Group Seminar in Canberra.
Professional Beginnings
1999-2002
Started as IT Manager at John Paul College, expanding the school network from a single internet-connected computer to a comprehensive Fiber Optic Backbone Star Network connecting every classroom.
Innovation at Kolbe Catholic College
2002-2006
As ICT Manager, drove IT innovation and restructured staffing. Successfully lobbied the Labour Government to direct ICT advancement funding toward WAN-level infrastructure for the digital education revolution.
Digital Education Revolution
2006
Presented "Interacting the Future L.A.N." as a Keynote Speaker at ACEC, predicting technological developments that would shape education for the next 20 years.
Systems Engineering Excellence
2006-2017
As ICT Manager/Systems Engineer at John Paul College, implemented cutting-edge technologies including VMware virtualization, enterprise-grade networking, and cloud integration, making JPC a leading ICT school in the state.
JediTek.net Founded
Recent Years
Established JediTek.net Pty. Ltd. to develop innovative software solutions including the iSkoolEDU Enterprise Platform, MediVac=>One, and WONGI WAN Hakker & Tracker.
Professional Journey
My professional career began at John Paul College, where my old principal, Brother Pat Kelly, offered me a position despite my limited experience with computers. "You'll figure it out," he said—words that set me on a mission to learn everything I could about IT and become the best Systems Engineer possible.
Over 16 years at John Paul College and 5 years at Kolbe Catholic College, I transformed from a novice to an innovator who pioneered the Digital Education Revolution by lobbying the Labour Party. I realized that a personal computer connected to the internet could make any willing learner a genius in any field, given they had a selective interest to learn it.
At Kolbe Catholic College, I broke new ground at ACEC 2006 where I explained the future of the digital industry, predicting technological developments that would shape education for the next 20 years. Though some of my ideas fell on deaf ears at the time, they eventually became reality.
The Birth of Innovation
Through my experiences in education and technology, I developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by schools, healthcare providers, and communities, particularly in remote and underserved areas. This understanding, combined with my technical expertise and unique perspective, led to the creation of JediTek.net Pty. Ltd. and our suite of innovative solutions.
Our flagship products—iSkoolEDU Enterprise Platform, MediVac=>One, and WONGI WAN Hakker & Tracker—represent the culmination of decades of experience, insight, and a commitment to making essential services accessible to all.
The name "The Challenge is 2 Ask the Best Question" reflects my lifelong approach to problem-solving: asking the right questions leads to the most innovative solutions. By challenging conventional thinking and approaching problems from unique angles, we've created technology that truly serves the needs of diverse communities.
Looking Forward
Today, I'm honored to share the knowledge and technology I've developed over the past 20 years. My mission is to provide free or affordable access to essential services for all communities, particularly Aboriginal families who have supported me throughout my journey.
The future holds exciting possibilities as we continue to refine and expand our solutions, always guided by the principle that the right question leads to the best answer. I invite you to join us on this journey of innovation and inclusion, where technology serves as a bridge to connect people, systems, and ideas.
As I often say, it's more than a good idea—it's a transformative approach to using technology for the greater good.