Matt Spurrier
Owner & Founder, SenseICT
Hi, I’m Matt.
I’ve been in technology since the early 2000s, starting out in Adelaide doing network engineering and systems work.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed the rapid evolution of technology and its influence on our daily lives. From the rise of the internet to the proliferation of mobile devices, each advancement has come with its own set of challenges and opportunities. For instance, I remember when cloud computing began to gain traction; it revolutionised how businesses manage their data and infrastructure, allowing for greater flexibility and scalability.
During those early years, I learned the importance of staying current with emerging technologies. Attending conferences and engaging with other professionals in the field were crucial for networking and gaining insights. The lessons I learned during this period not only shaped my technical skills but also my approach to client relationships and project management.
At Squiz Pty Ltd, I was fortunate to work with a talented team that taught me valuable lessons. Collaboration played a pivotal role in our success as we tackled complex problems and delivered innovative solutions. The experience of merging technical expertise with creative problem-solving has remained a cornerstone of my career.
Working at Moodle Pty Ltd was an enlightening experience. The challenges of managing infrastructure without proper documentation forced me to develop a systematic approach to problem-solving. I learned to prioritise tasks effectively, ensuring that I addressed the most pressing issues first while developing a comprehensive plan for long-term improvements.
The presentation I delivered at Moodle MOOT not only boosted my confidence but also underscored the importance of sharing knowledge within the community. Engaging with peers and learning from their experiences has enriched my understanding of the technology landscape.
Facing life-altering challenges such as my accident and subsequent diagnosis with ADHD has been transformative. It compelled me to reevaluate my priorities and explore new ways of working that fit my circumstances. Navigating the complexities of my health has given me a unique perspective on resilience and adaptability in both personal and professional realms.
Building SenseICT® has been a labour of love. I’ve poured my heart and soul into creating a company that reflects my values and commitment to quality. Each client interaction reinforces my belief in the importance of personalised service. I strive to ensure that every client feels valued and understood, as I know firsthand how vital that connection can be.
Understanding ADHD has also allowed me to leverage my strengths. The hyperfocus I experience when tackling intricate problems enables me to dive deep into projects and deliver high-quality results. This trait is especially beneficial in a fast-paced industry where attention to detail makes all the difference.
As I work from home, I embrace a flexible schedule that accommodates my needs. This autonomy empowers me to optimise my productivity and work-life balance, fostering creativity and innovation. It’s critical to create an environment where I can thrive while effectively meeting my clients’ needs.
In my daily work, I continually explore new technologies and tools that can enhance my services. The intersection of AI and infrastructure management presents exciting possibilities, and I am committed to staying ahead of the curve. Whether it’s implementing automation with Ansible or utilising Docker for containerization, I am dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge solutions for my clients.
After that, I moved to Perth, where I’ve been based for the past several years. SenseICT® has been running since 2008 – it started as a side project alongside full-time employment and became my sole focus after 2018.
Before going fully independent, I spent a few years at Squiz Pty Ltd, working in systems administration and development on their Squiz Matrix product.
Open-source contributions remain a core aspect of my professional philosophy. I believe that sharing knowledge and tools can empower others in the community. The positive feedback I receive on projects like jekyll-minifier inspires me to continue developing resources that can benefit fellow developers.
Working closely with business owners has allowed me to understand their unique challenges and aspirations. I take pride in becoming a trusted advisor who can provide strategic insights and practical solutions from the onset of our collaboration. This partnership approach has proven invaluable in driving success.
Creating an inclusive environment is essential to me. Supporting LGBTQIA+ communities is not just a statement; it’s an integral part of my identity and how I operate my business. Whilst I am not a member of these communities personally, I have friends and family members who are, and I actively seek to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and valued, ensuring representation and respect for all individuals.
Working toward joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network is a personal mission. It reflects my commitment not only to raise awareness but also to actively support those navigating invisible challenges. I am dedicated to being an advocate for positive change in our society.
If you’re interested in learning more about my journey, I delve into the nuances and lessons learned on my blog. It’s a candid exploration of my experiences, providing insights for those facing similar challenges or seeking inspiration in their own paths.
In addition to my professional platforms, I enjoy engaging with the community through various channels. Whether via GitHub, LinkedIn, or Bluesky, I welcome conversations and connections that foster collaboration and growth.
For direct inquiries or to discuss potential collaborations, please don’t hesitate to reach out through my contact page. I am always eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new opportunities.
Then, I moved to Moodle Pty Ltd as their ICT Manager from 2012 to 2018. Moodle was genuinely interesting work. I inherited infrastructure with no configuration management, no documentation, and essentially no audit trail.
I rebuilt it properly from scratch. Puppet, LDAP, a full VPN, proper monitoring – the works. I also presented at Moodle MOOT in Melbourne in 2013, which was a good experience even if public speaking isn’t really my natural habitat.
In 2018, someone ran me off a freeway at 100km/h. I came out of it with a lower spinal injury, constant nerve pain, and the reality that conventional employment wasn’t going to be an option anymore.
No disability support to fall back on (seriously, 25ish grand a year and you’re penalised if you do any work? I’d go crazy…), so I put everything into building SenseICT® into something sustainable.
I was also diagnosed with ADHD around that time, which explained quite a bit about how I’d always worked. The tendency to hyperfocus on complex problems, to switch contexts quickly, and to be unable to tolerate broken things left broken.
That wiring is actually useful when you’re running infrastructure for a living.
I work from home, keep my own hours, and work with clients remotely across Australia and further afield.
Day-to-day, I’m across PHP, Golang, Kubernetes, Linux, Docker, Ansible, and increasingly AI and agentic tooling.
I contribute to open source when I can – my jekyll-minifier project has picked up over 260 stars on GitHub, which I’m quietly pleased about.
SenseICT® is deliberately small. The point is that you get me, not a tiered support queue or an account manager who passes things on.
I work best with business owners and technical teams who want senior involvement from day one.
SenseICT® is LGBTQIA+ friendly. I fully support my friends & family who are members of these communities.
We’re working toward joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network. It’s not window dressing – I live this stuff.
If you want the longer version of the story, I’ve written about it at digitalsparky.com.
You can also find me on GitHub, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Or just use the contact page.
