About
Peter Burnheim
Principal Consultant at Haven and Horizons — with a career built inside the not-for-profit and community services sector, not looking in from the outside.
Background
The name says it all
Haven — because when you come to us, you shouldn't have to pretend your systems are fine. We understand what these organisations carry: the governance gaps, the funding pressure, the teams doing extraordinary work with inadequate infrastructure. There's no judgement here, only a clear-eyed look at where you are.
Horizon — because every engagement ends with something better in view. A working system. A governance structure that holds. A team that can actually use the tools they've been given. Progress that you can see and build on.
Most technology consultants come to the community sector with digital skills and learn about NFPs along the way. Peter's path was the reverse — decades working inside these organisations, understanding governance from the board table, operations from the frontline, and administration from inside underfunded teams at full capacity.
Using modern low-code and AI-assisted development platforms, Haven and Horizons can now design and build bespoke systems quickly and affordably — without the $50,000–$300,000 price tag of traditional software development.
Working across the North of Australia with a deep understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and realities of the region — and servicing organisations nationally.
Executive, advisory, and frontline experience across NFPs, peak bodies, health, and regional government — including work alongside Aboriginal community controlled organisations.
Direct experience at board and executive level with ACNC-registered organisations — including as Chair of a Territory-based board and member of the corresponding national board. Also experienced with ORIC-registered organisations in a collaborative advisory capacity.
Career
Experience
Principal Consultant
Haven and Horizons Consulting
Founding and leading a boutique consulting practice specialising in bespoke administration and governance systems for not-for-profit and community service organisations. Combining deep sector knowledge with modern development platforms to deliver practical, affordable digital systems.
Senior Regional Leadership
NT Government — Barkly Region
Senior leadership roles within regional government, overseeing all-of-government coordination and strategic delivery across a large and complex region. Responsible for multi-agency stakeholder engagement, executive-level forums, and the oversight of a major regional investment program spanning infrastructure, service delivery, and community development.
Chief Executive, Peak Body
Community Health Sector — Northern Territory
Chief executive of a peak body representing community health and social services organisations across the NT. Responsibilities included board governance, strategic planning, policy advocacy, sector representation, stakeholder engagement, and grant management.
Program & Service Design Leadership
Primary Health Sector — Northern Territory
Led service design, commissioning, and portfolio management across a broad range of primary health and social wellbeing programs. Required high-level skills in stakeholder engagement, sector research, budget management, and program evaluation.
Community Development, Health & Education
NT Community & Health Sector
A range of roles across community development, health education, project management, and small business — building a broad foundation in frontline service delivery, stakeholder engagement, and operational management across the Northern Territory.
Board Member & Chair — Life Education
Life Education NT / Life Education Australia
Served as Chair of the Life Education NT Board and Board Member of Life Education Australia — the national body. Contributed to governance, strategic direction, and the oversight of health education programs delivered to children and young people across the NT and nationally.
How We Work
Our Principles
A judgement-free starting point
We've seen what organisations carry when they come to us — the backlog, the patchwork spreadsheets, the governance gaps. We meet you there, without making it harder, and find the clearest path forward from where you actually are.
Honest scoping
We tell you what your organisation actually needs — not the largest possible project. Sometimes the right answer is a simple system that solves one problem well. We'd rather you trust us than oversell you.
Genuine sector knowledge
ACNC obligations, NDIS compliance, NFP board governance, funding acquittal requirements — we know the regulatory landscape your organisation operates in, because we've lived it. This includes an understanding of the additional frameworks relevant to organisations working alongside First Nations communities.
Ongoing partnership
We offer retainer support after delivery. Your system grows with your organisation, and you have someone who understands it to call when things change. The horizon keeps moving — we'll move with you.
Let's find your horizon together.
A free initial conversation to understand your situation. No obligation, no pressure.
Make an Enquiry