Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Appointments
Professional Memberships
Sporting Achievements
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Matt Cunningham

Matt Cunningham

Alice Springs,NT

Summary

Project Director with extensive experience leading capital works, infrastructure, and asset management projects across defense, government, and the private sectors. I have a proven record of managing the delivery of projects up to $20M, balancing governance, project finance, and government compliance. Skilled at leading multidisciplinary teams, driving strategic asset initiatives, and aligning projects with long-term organizational and government objectives. Accomplished company director with eight years of experience overseeing project delivery and managing organisational operations. Trusted government advisor with deep expertise in infrastructure planning, risk management, and policy development, currently serving as a specialised member of the Development Consent Authority (Central Region), appointed by the minister for Lands and Planning.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Project Director & Partner

Blueprint (NT)
Alice Springs, NT
01.2018 - Current
  • Lead the planning, management, and delivery of major infrastructure projects across diverse sectors, ensuring compliance, value for money, and successful outcomes.
  • Directed multiple capital works projects in defence, government, and private sectors, with budgets up to $20M.
  • Successfully delivered projects from concept to completion, including feasibility, master planning, approvals, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
  • Partnered with government stakeholders to align projects with policy and strategic asset frameworks, ensuring operational effectiveness and sustainability.
  • Implemented robust WHS systems and risk management processes, maintaining a strong safety record and compliance with legislative requirements.
  • Managed project finances, including budget forecasting and reporting, consistently delivering projects within scope, time, and budget.
  • Built strong, productive relationships with government agencies, contractors, and industry stakeholders, achieving positive outcomes on complex projects.
  • Delivered projects in extremely remote sections of the Northern Territory and northern South Australia including remote indigenous communities.
  • Continuous interactions with state and federal ministers through the delivery of the national remote housing program.

Project Manager

Patrick Construction
01.2015 - 01.2018
  • Deliver construction projects in urban and remote areas of Central Australia for the Northern Territory Government, United States Government and the private sector.
  • Delivered multiple projects in defence and government within Alice Springs and surrounding areas.
  • Managed a team of professionals and trades including internal staff and subcontractors.
  • Ensured compliance with relevant standards and assisted in the implementation of federal accreditation.
  • Managed project finances, including budget forecasting and reporting, consistently delivering projects within scope, time, and budget.

Education

Diploma - Project Management

Australian Institute Of Management
12-2025

Certificate 4 - Building And Construction

Charles Darwin University
Alice Springs, NT
12-2018

High School Diploma -

St Philip’s College
Alice Springs, NT
12-2006

Skills

  • Strategic asset planning
  • Team leadership
  • Estimate preparation
  • Professionalism
  • Major project leadership
  • Governance and compliance
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Budget management
  • Cost estimation
  • Defence sector expertise
  • Government projects
  • Private sector experience
  • Leadership skills
  • Regulatory expertise

Professional Appointments

  • Specialised Member – Development Consent Authority (Central Region)
    Provide expert assessment and decision-making on significant development applications, ensuring compliance with planning legislation, community expectations, and strategic infrastructure objectives.

Professional Memberships

  • Northern Territory, Registered Building Practitioner
  • South Australia, Registered Building Practitioner

Sporting Achievements

  • AFL U18 National Championship (TAC Cup), 2018, Representing the Northern Territory in the U18 AFL National Championships demonstrates strong leadership qualities, as it required not only skill and commitment, but also the ability to inspire and support teammates on a national stage. Competing at this level meant setting high standards for discipline, work ethic, and performance, while also being a role model for younger players aspiring to follow the same pathway. The experience highlighted resilience under pressure, effective communication within a team environment, and the capacity to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve a common goal. These qualities extend beyond sport, reflecting leadership that is transferable to professional and community settings.
  • Australian Institute Of Sport (Northern Territory Division), 2016 - 2018, Selected as an athlete in the Northern Territory Institute of Sport, demonstrating elite performance, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Gained experience in high-performance environments, balancing rigorous training schedules with personal development while working collaboratively within a team culture. Developed resilience, goal-setting abilities, and leadership skills through exposure to professional coaching and competitive pathways.

Additional Information

Eligible for Security Clearance (NV1), Previous clearance for Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap (JDFPG), Commitment to ethical leadership, diversity, and inclusion in line with SA Public Sector Code of Ethics

Timeline

Project Director & Partner

Blueprint (NT)
01.2018 - Current

Project Manager

Patrick Construction
01.2015 - 01.2018

Diploma - Project Management

Australian Institute Of Management

Certificate 4 - Building And Construction

Charles Darwin University

High School Diploma -

St Philip’s College
Matt Cunningham