Training for long-term employment

“Our key goal is to support each and every one of our participants into securing long-term employment. Sefa’s support demonstrates we are a viable investment with strong social and financial returns.”

Sarah Mort, Director & Co-founder, MiHaven

More about MiHaven

MiHaven is a for-profit business that helps chronically unemployed Indigenous Australians enter long-term employment by providing them with training in construction, retail, early childhood, aged/disability care and hospitality. As a construction company and a registered training organisation, MiHaven can provide apprenticeships and certificates.

MiHaven runs a 20-week training program, MiLife Change Program where trainees work 35 hours a week and confront their personal barriers, such as lack of work experience, low numeracy and literacy, scars of domestic violence, chronic health issues, and addictions to drugs and alcohol. The program features a life skills component, led by strong and experienced Indigenous mentors.

Sefa's support

Sefa supported MiHaven in the early stages of proving and growing its model. In a pilot project, the MiHaven Property Fund purchased an old Queenslander-style house on a large block in Cairns using Sefa loan finance. The land was subdivided, the original house renovated, and a new inner-city home built on the site, with both properties then sold.

That early support helped demonstrate the viability of MiHaven’s model and created a platform for growth. Since then, MiHaven has continued to expand its work across construction, training and social impact housing, while building strong partnerships to support long-term employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Impact achieved

Upon completion, graduates received a Certificate II in warehousing and construction.

Outcome areas include:

• training and qualifications

• empowerment and social inclusion

• increased employment outcomes

• the integration of training pathways within MiHaven’s construction operations

• the development of housing projects with strong social outcomes, including homes for women and families impacted by domestic violence

• the expansion of specialist disability accommodation in Cairns

MiHaven’s model continues to show strong potential for scale through regional development, specialist housing, and partnerships with community-based organisations. Beyond construction alone, the organisation is building an integrated model that connects training, employment and housing outcomes.