I’ve been building for the web since 1997 and founded Mad Web Skills back in 2001 as a freelance web development studio. In internet years, that makes me a wizard (or a dinosaur, depending on who you ask). I aim to combine high-end development with a 'best-practice' ideology, meaning websites that actually work for everyone, on every device, every time.

Here's the lowdown...

By day, I help run the digital side of local government. By night, I’m your secret weapon. Even if you have the budget to hire a larger design agency, there are a number of advantages to hiring an independent freelance web developer such as myself.

1. 1.

   Tired of being passed around an agency like a hot potato? With me, there are no 'Success Managers' or 'Journey Specialists.' You deal directly with the guy bringing your project to life. I handle everything from the look and feel to the technical heavy lifting. If you have a question, you email me and I answer it.

2. 2.

   The web is what I do. It’s not a side-hustle for a print shop or a marketing agency. Many agencies just 'dabble' in simple websites and outsource the hard stuff to guys like me. Others just install WordPress, a cheap template and a dozen plugins that’ll break in six months. I build bespoke sites that are lean, fast, and actually work. Why pay for a middleman or a messy template when you can get the real deal?

3. 3.

   I’ve got 29+ years of battle-tested experience in the web industry. While I’ve been around since the days of GeoCities and MySpace (look them up, kids; they were a whole vibe), I haven’t stayed stuck in the past. I build with modern tools and keep my designs sharp, leveraging AI where it actually adds value, not just for the sake of a buzzword. You get the wisdom of a veteran with the tech of today.

4. 4.

   Because I work a 'day job' in local gov, I only take on a handful of freelance projects at a time. I don't have a 'sales pipeline' to feed or inner-city office to pay for. This means I’m picky about the work I take on, and when I say 'yes' to your project, you get my undivided focus after hours. It’s boutique service without the boutique price tag.

5. 5.

   I work from home here in regional Victoria, which means my pricing is based on the value I provide, not the bills I have to pay. I’m not in the business of churning out $500 'cheapies,' but I also don’t think a solid business website should cost you $20K just because of an agency's floor space. It’s about getting professional-grade work for a sensible price.

6. 6.

   Seriously, I’ve been doing this a long time. I know my stuff. :)

I've got some more useful info on my FAQs page if you want to know more.

What I can offer for your business.

I specialise in web design and custom web application development with a focus on usability, accessibility, web standards and content management systems (CMS). I have developed many web applications for my clients over the year, as well as my own powerful CMS product which powers everything from local businesses here in Shepparton right up to marketing websites for global brands.

I am also an accomplished designer who can:

I also have a wide range of expert resources and professional contacts in the fields of marketing, print, design, signage, photography, copy-writing and more.

My philosophy

I believe the web should be for everyone. By using clean, structured code that meets global accessibility standards, I ensure your website works perfectly for all, regardless of their device, browser, or physical ability.

I don't just build for the "now"; I build for what's next. That means I don’t just make things look pretty; I build them to last, using proven design techniques and rock-solid code to ensure your site is fast, secure, and accessible.