About us – MiHaven Care

About

MiHaven - Our Story

How we became the largest SDA Provider in Northern Australia

MiHaven Pty Ltd, a B Corp certified social enterprise, specialises in sustainable property development, construction, social housing, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), student accommodation, and industry-based RTO training. Founded in 2011 by James and Sarah Mort, MiHaven focuses on shaping a sustainable future, creating social impact, and embracing innovation.

In 2020, MiHaven co-founders James and Sarah Mort launched MiHaven Care, Cairns’ first dedicated Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider – building and managing SDA homes for people with high physical support needs. This category of housing is the highest classification for accommodation related to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

With an unwavering belief in the right of all individuals with disabilities and high care needs to inhabit superior-quality housing for independent living, MiHaven Care has become the largest provider of SDA in the Northern Australia. Investing $25 million since inception, MiHaven Care’s SDA portfolio now includes 50 dwellings throughout Far North Queensland accommodating more than 60 participants, of which over half represents Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

Distinguishing itself within the industry, MiHaven Care takes a comprehensive approach by directly engaging with NDIS participants to conceptualise and construct fit-for-purpose SDA residences. Furthermore, the scope extends to specialised tenancy management and property maintenance services, bolstering the tenancy experience, and promoting enduring comfort.

Our SDA Portfolio

More than 50 SDA dwellings located in Cairns (& surrounding suburbs), Innisfail, Mareeba, Atherton and Mossman.

We Design, Build & Manage Specialist Disability Accommodation

Our 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.

What does it mean to be B-Corp Certified?

MiHaven has been a B-Corp registered social enterprise since 2017.

B Corp Certification shows that a business is doing a great job when it comes to performance, accountability, and transparency.

It covers everything from how they treat their employees and give back to the community, to their supply chain practices and the materials they use.

Meet the Executive Team

Sarah Mort

Co-Director & Founder

Sarah Mort

Co-Director & Founder

Sarah has over 30 years’ experience in the property development industry having worked with some of Australasia’s leading development and construction firms. A town planner, Sarah's vast experience has allowed her to utilise her many skills and experience in community consultation and project management.. Sarah has been involved in local government; environmental planning; property development and construction with a passion about 'business with purpose'.

James Mort

Co-Director and Founder

James Mort

Co-Director and Founder

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. Since establishing MiHaven, James has designed and constructed over 100 residential projects, many in partnership with not-for-profit community-based organisations .

Stuart McDonald

Chief Operations Officer

Stuart McDonald

Chief Operations Officer

Stuart McDonald is a highly experienced senior people leader and sales management executive with a proven track record of delivering year on year business growth and delivering personal and team successes. Stuart has held senior General Manager positions with Telstra and NBN Co, State Manager positions with large Australian IT companies in Queensland and Victoria, lived and worked in Kuwait and USA, and was an Intelligence Officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

Roger Allen

Entrepreneur & Investor

Roger Allen

Entrepreneur & Investor

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. . 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 and is currently an adjunct professor in the Business School of the University of Technology Sydney.

Meet the MiHaven Care Team

Karena Phillips

General Manager

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. As the Cairns site expanded with the NDIS, Karena continued her work with a disability service provider, collaborating with MiHaven on the region's inaugural Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) project.

Most recently, Karena has contributed to the successful merger of twolarge disability organisations at a local level. This role involved upskilling local teams and enhancing their own expertise in SDA properties and funding, alongside managing vacancies effectively.

Belinda Christie

Business Development Officer

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 infacilitating access to essential services and empowering individuals to reach their maximum potential. With five years of experience in the NDIS sector, Belinda has worked with various Cairns providers as a NDIS Coordinator, specialising in Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), communityaccess, 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.

Sandy Jeanneret

Property Manager

Sandy Jeanneret

Property Manager

Sandy boasts over 20 years of experience in the real estate sector,beginning her career as a Property Manager and rapidlyprogressing to the roles of Teams Manager and BusinessDevelopment Manager. In 2015, she fulfilled her lifelong ambitionby launching her own business, which she successfully sold in2023. Throughout this period, Sandy collaborated extensively witha major client and NDIS provider - GSL Services, where shemanaged their NDIS-funded accommodation and establishedconnections with both clients and coordinators.With her comprehensive background in property management anddirect experience with NDIS clients, Sandy is an excellent fit for theproperty manager position at MiHaven Care.

Meet the Design and Construction Team

Patricio Llordella

Head Architect

Patricio Llordella

Head 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.

Emilce Suso

Architectural Draftsperson

Emilce Suso

Architectural Draftsperson

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.

Chris Chastre

Project Manager

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 more than 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.

 5/5

What Providers & Participants Are Saying

They have displayed an unparalleled level of professionalism in tailoring their accommodations to suit the specific needs of each individual. This personalisation goes beyond mere convenience; it showcases MiHaven's sincere concern for the physical and emotional well-being of their residents

Managing Director, Luke Haupapa

Enabling Pathways

I've lived on my own for so long, so I was quite hesitant at first to live with others. But after viewing MiHaven's SDA at their open day, and seeing the spacious rooms and private outdoor areas, my attitude changed. I'm very happy here.

Andrew

SDA Tenant

"I am very impressed with the professionalism and knowledge Belén has shown me. I am a first time home buyer, but I know that she will help me through every step of the process until I figure out what's right for me."

Kalye Moore

Real Estate Agent