More than a construction company
About us
MiHaven is a social enterprise business and B Corp registered, specialising in property development, construction, student accommodation, community housing and operates an industry-based RTO training school.
As a function of the company, MiHaven Care builds Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). These are purpose-built properties for participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) with high support needs.
Co-founded by James and Sarah Mort, the company was established in 2011 and is based in Cairns, Queensland. The company is supported by its Advisory Board, Roger Allen AM and Dr. Geoff Waring, who share a wealth of experience in social impact investment and social entrepreneurism.
Our core business values are to establish a sustainable business aligned to social enterprise delivering quality housing for private use, local and remote indigenous communities, community and social housing and SDA housing.
MiHaven Care provides turnkey project management, bringing their industry experience to the social impact sector and aligning investment with tangible community results. Based on the integrity of past projects, investors have joined forces with MiHaven Care to form a series of Social Impact Investment Property funds to acquire development sites for a variety of social impact investments.
MiHaven’s Mission: Constructing, cultivating, and creating doorways to a socially sustainable future for a widely diverse range of communities in the far North Queensland region. Our core pursuit is to establish a sustainable business aligned to social enterprises aimed at delivering socially impactful outcomes.
B the best.
Being B-Corp Certified is your guarantee we are committed to social good.
Meet the team
Sarah Mort
Sarah has over 30 years’ experience in the property development industry having worked with some of Australasia’s leading development and construction firms including the W Hotel Sydney, Multiplex Constructions and the Kuok Group. A town planner, Sarah's vast experience has allowed her to utilise her many skills and experience in community consultation and project management. Sarah’s experience has also been greatly enhanced by the diverse forms of business she has been involved in, including local government; environmental planning; property development and construction. Sarah is passionate about 'business with purpose' and is focused on delivering exceptional social outcomes along with beautifully built properties.
James Mort
James Mort is a multi-award, winning property developer and builder with over 40 years’ industry experience, having developed some of Australia’s most prestigious homes and commercial buildings. James has been a leader in the residential development industry establishing new benchmarks in design and construction. Over the past 10 years, James has owned and operated MiHaven, a bespoke property development, construction and training company with his business partner and wife Sarah. Since establishing MiHaven, James has designed and constructed over 100 residential projects, many in partnership with not for profit community-based organisations resulting in a deep understanding of the challenges of building in the wet tropics. James has a deep and committed relationship with the local Cairns community, proudly devoting his personal time as the Vice President of the Cairns Cycling Club.
Roger Allen
Roger Allen is a highly-experienced serial entrepreneur and investor in early-stage growth companies in both in Australia and globally. He co-founded Allen & Buckeridge, the first early-stage venture capital fund in Australia, successfully raising over $200m and investing in some 40 companies. Roger retired from that partnership in 2008 to concentrate on his own investments and social ventures. Serving on two Prime Ministers’ Science and Technology Councils and Advisory Boards, Mr Allen was also Deputy Chairman of the Australian Government’s international trade organisation Austrade from 1990 to 1997 and is currently an adjunct professor in the Business School of the University of Technology Sydney.
Karena Phillips - General Manager
With over 15 years of experience in the disability and aged care sector, Karena has played a significant role during the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Cairns. Initially employed to assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for their NDIS pre-planning meetings, she provided essential support throughout the funding access process. As the Cairns site expanded with the NDIS, Karena continued her work a disability provider, collaborating with MiHaven on the region's inaugural Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) project. In 2021, Karena advanced to the position of Area Manager for Cairns.
Karena describes herself as extremely dedicated in helping NDIS participants to reach their goals, she is ready to provide support and guidance for all SDA queries and housing requirements.
Belinda Christie - Business Development Officer
Belinda is a dedicated individual who is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of people in her community. Her passion lies in facilitating access to essential services and empowering individuals to reach their maximum potential. With five years of experience in the NDIS sector, Belinda has worked as a NDIS Coordinator, specialising in Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), community access, cultural engagement, and respite services. This extensive background in managing high-intensity support and addressing complex health needs has equipped Belinda with a profound understanding of the varied challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Belinda's ability to collaborate effectively with clients, families, and stakeholders guarantees that each individual receives personalised care that aligns with their unique preferences, ultimately guiding participants along their distinct paths to success.
Sandy Jeanneret - SDA Property Manager
Sandy boasts over 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, beginning her career as a Property Manager and rapidly progressing to the roles of Teams Manager and Business Development Manager. In 2015, she fulfilled her lifelong ambition by launching her own business, which she successfully sold in 2023. Throughout this period, Sandy collaborated extensively with a major client and NDIS provider - GSL Services, where she managed their NDIS-funded accommodation and established connections with both clients and coordinators.
With her comprehensive background in property management and direct experience with NDIS clients, Sandy is an excellent fit for the property manager position at MiHaven Care.
Emilce Suso - Architect.
Emilce is an Argentinian architect with expertise in Building Information Modelling (BIM), focuses on designing structures of various sizes and construction methods. Her passion lies in creating inclusive environments, especially for people with disabilities. Through extensive research and thoughtful design, she ensures that her projects accommodate diverse needs. Emilce's dedication to enhancing living spaces for individuals with disabilities is evident in her innovative solutions and advocacy for more equitable built environments.
Patricio Llordella – Architect.
Patricio is a diversified architect from Argentina with a decade of hands-on experience and a dedicated educator with five years of teaching expertise at both graduate and postgraduate levels in Argentina. His professional journey encompasses a diverse range of projects, from intricate residential houses to expansive masterplans for city areas. Experienced in every stage of the construction process, showcasing his versatility and comprehensive understanding of architectural development.
Patricio holds a Master's degree in Architecture and a Postgraduate qualification in Parametric Structural Design. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in BIM Management, he combines practical experience with a forward-thinking approach.
Chris Chastre - Project Manager.
Chris has had an extensive career in development and property operations including Body Corporate Management. A former Partner of one of QLDs most reputable Body Corporate Management companies he has managed over 200 Body Corporates covering in excess of 10,000 lots. Chris has consulted at the highest levels of corporate and Government led bodies as well as delivered outcomes internationally. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Major Construction) and a Property Council of Australia Diploma of Property Operations.
Stay up to date with the latest MiHaven SDA vacancies, where we’re building next, NDIS news and views, plus so much more!
