Strengthening regional communities through strategic insight and practical solutions.
Quondong Consulting partners with government, non‑government organisations and communities to design and deliver strategies that improve services, build local capacity and support sustainable regional development across the arid zone.
About Us
Quondong Consulting is a Northern Territory‑based advisory service specialising in regional development, service improvement and community‑focused strategy. We work alongside organisations to strengthen capability, improve outcomes and support long‑term, locally driven change.
John Gaynor, the Director of Quondong Consulting, brings more than three decades of senior leadership, policy expertise and community‑focused service delivery across Central Australia and the Barkly regions.
John’s career spans executive roles in the Northern Territory Government, including Senior Executive Director within the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet and Regional Director for the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security. He has led complex cross‑agency initiatives, overseen multimillion‑dollar programs, shaped regional policy, and represented the NT at national forums. His earlier leadership roles in local government, health and community services, Commonwealth agencies and ministerial advisory positions further demonstrate his ability to navigate political, cultural and organisational landscapes with skill and diplomacy.
John’s deep insight into issues affecting the arid zone—including economic development and remote area service delivery—has been honed by years of face‑to‑face work and engagement with people on the ground, in remote communities and towns across the NT.
As Director of Quondong Consulting, John leverages this extensive experience to help government and non‑government organisations and communities design and implement strategies that strengthen service delivery, build local capacity and drive economic development.
John’s wide professional network built over 30 years and his breadth of knowledge and understanding of regional and community issues across sectors guarantees thorough analysis, consultation and attention to detail. His strengths in collaboration, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and culturally informed practice ensure clients receive practical, high‑impact solutions grounded in real‑world experience and regional insight.
Grounded in Country
Our work is shaped by the landscapes, communities and cultures of Central Australia and the Barkly. We recognise the importance of place, relationships and lived experience in designing approaches that are realistic, respectful and sustainable.
We bring a calm, steady presence to complex environments—listening carefully, engaging widely and working with you to turn ideas into practical, achievable steps.
Our Services
Strategic Planning & Advisory
Helping organisations set clear direction, strengthen decision‑making, and align services with community needs.
- Developing strategic and operational plans
- Facilitating planning workshops
- Aligning services with policy and funding priorities
- Strengthening governance and accountability
Service Development
Designing community services that are practical, culturally informed, and responsive to local needs.
- Identifying community needs and priorities
- Co‑designing service models with stakeholders
- Mapping pathways and referral points
- Developing frameworks and procedures
- Embedding cultural safety and local relevance
- Setting up monitoring and evaluation processes
- Building workforce capability
Service Delivery Improvement
Strengthening how services operate day‑to‑day so they are efficient, consistent, and effective.
- Reviewing service performance and workflows
- Identifying gaps and improvement opportunities
- Streamlining processes and reducing duplication
- Improving coordination across teams and agencies
- Strengthening quality, consistency, and accountability
- Supporting continuous improvement practices
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Building strong relationships and ensuring community voices shape service design and delivery.
- Facilitating community consultations
- Engaging government, NGOs, and local partners
- Supporting cross‑agency collaboration
- Translating insights into practical actions
Project & Program Management
Delivering complex initiatives with clarity, structure, and a focus on real‑world outcomes.
- Managing multi‑stakeholder projects
- Coordinating regional and remote initiatives
- Tracking progress and reporting outcomes
- Ensuring delivery on time and on budget
Policy, Systems & Reform
Supporting organisations to navigate policy settings and strengthen systems that support communities.
- Developing policy advice and briefings
- Reviewing systems and service pathways
- Identifying gaps and improvement opportunities
- Supporting reform implementation
Leadership Support & Advisory
Providing practical guidance to leaders working in complex environments across Central Australia and the Barkly.
- Executive coaching and mentoring
- Supporting crisis and incident management
- Strengthening leadership capability
- Helping leaders navigate complexity