About Us

Our
Story

Founded in 2013 by CEO Sabeel Burgess, Open Haven began as a small community support group to fill a critical gap for women seeking empowerment and independence after leaving domestic violence. Officially recognised as a charity in 2017, Open Haven has become a trusted name, collaborating with local, national, and non-profit agencies to support and empower survivors. When women reach out—often frightened and unsure of their next step—Open Haven provides personalised, practical support plans to guide them toward empowerment and a new beginning.

Meet the Board

Open Haven Pty Ltd is governed by a Board of Directors, who bring extensive experience and a diverse skillset to the table. The Board is responsible for the overall governance, management and strategic direction of the organisation.

Director, Founder & CEO

SABEEL BURGESS

As CEO, Sabeel is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the business.

Sabeel Burgess is a former high school teacher with 20 years of teaching experience in the UK.

Sabeel has successfully trained and assessed student teachers and liaised with social services and child protection agencies regarding teenagers in her care at school. She has taught in a borstal in Milton Keynes for teenage perpetrators of serious crimes. She holds a passion for advocacy and empowering women.

Director & Company Secretary

JULIE WILLIAMS

As a Board Member, Julie is responsible for governance and oversight of the organisation and provides mentoring and guidance to the CEO.

Julie is formerly the Pastor of New Heart Church, Balmoral campus, and possesses many years’ experience in Christian Ministry and supporting women in crisis. In addition, she has is a qualified coach and counselor.

She is also the founder of Women Motivating Women, a series of quarterly breakfast gatherings with key speakers sharing their professional and personal journeys.

Director & Chairperson

RICK ALLSOP

As Chairperson of the Board, Rick is responsible for governance and oversight of the organsiation and provides mentoring and guidance to the CEO.

Rick has 10 years of experience in Executive positions in financial services and government in Australia and Singapore. He is married with three children and has been volunteering for non-profit organisations for over 20 years.

Rick has extensive program and portfolio governance experience with a focus on risk management.

Rick’s qualifications include a BSc (Applied Mathematics and Statistics) and a post-graduate degree in Project Management.

Board Member

JESSICA GALLIENNE

Jessica is a seasoned facilitator and coach with 20+ years of consulting experience. Her expertise lies in design thinking, experiential facilitation, co-design, and customer-centric innovation.

With a background in psychology, business strategy, and neuro-leadership, she specialises in culture transformation, leadership development, and executive coaching.

As the Owner and Managing Director of Organisation Dynamics in Brisbane, Jessica and her team transform workplaces to unlock their people's full potential.

Board Member

BARNEY BURKE

Barney brings a wealth of banking and financial services experience, having worked globally in the sector for more than 25 years.

Barney joined RACQ in August 2021 and is Chief Executive Banking, responsible for leading and executing RACQ Bank’s strategy and supporting the broader RACQ Group purpose to drive a positive future for all Queenslanders. Prior to joining RACQ, he held leadership positions at Suncorp, Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse.

He is passionate about supporting others in the community, dedicating time volunteering with organisations that help the homeless and serving as a Board Member of Open Haven.

Barney is a Chartered Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce.

The History

2013 Coffee Morning

A coffee morning for local mothers and their children was established. During the course of the year, it was discovered that some of the attendees needed emotional and practical support. Eight cases of domestic violence were identified. The survivors did not have anywhere to turn. They did not know how to access existing services. They required more hands on, practical support to lead them in the right direction. Three volunteers supported these women and their children.

2017 Open Haven Ltd

An independent charity (public benevolent institution) was established to increase financial support, establish formalised referral programs and improve governance. Open Haven was selected as the new name to reflect the core support service of the open house and the paramount focus on safety. Volunteers have increased to twelve, community support has increased as have referrals from other agencies. Over 1000 women have now been assisted through Open Haven.

2015 High Tower's Heart

A support group led by Sabeel was established under the name High Tower's Heart. A weekly open house was started that allowed survivors of domestic violence to attend, have their needs assessed and relevant support provided. The number of volunteers supporting this group increased to six. The assessment became formalised and the services increased. Other agencies began to refer individuals to High Tower's Heart because longer term support was being provided.

Present Day

Open Haven delivers its core service, "Open House" on a weekly basis. Through this, we create practical and personalised restoration plans and support women on their journey to finding empowerment. Now offering a multitude of core services and programs to assist women to achieve long term goals, Open Haven successfully provides support to women who are seeking guidance and companionship as they work towards becoming more financially, emotionally and physically independent.