After completing a Bachelor of Education at Australian Catholic University, Paddy spent six years teaching Primary aged children in the South East suburbs of Melbourne, as well as inner city schools in London in the UK. He then shifted focus to Secondary Education, working at Mazenod College (Mulgrave) and St Kevin’s College (Toorak & East Richmond). After developing an interest in further study, Paddy completed a Masters in Business (Sport Management) at Deakin University.

Paddy joined the Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) as Executive Officer in 2005 and spent the following 19 years enhancing the delivery of the Association’s program of events. This included significant work in the fields of Sport, Music, The Arts and Leadership across a wide range of stakeholders. In this role, he also developed significant skills in event management, business management, financial management, communication, promotions and marketing, website development and maintenance, software utilisation, stakeholder engagement, employment practices, strategic planning, policy development and risk management.