Our Team

Andrew Mann is Executive Director at Principle Living, where he plays a leading role in shaping the strategic direction and delivery of contemporary seniors living communities across the Hunter region and Central Coast.

With a strong foundation in home care, Andrew brings deep sector knowledge and commercial expertise. He was instrumental in the growth of Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care, helping transform the organisation into an industry leader through scalable systems and a strong focus on quality, person-centred care. In 2017, the Mann Family partnered with Quadrant Private Equity to establish myHomecare, which became Australia’s largest home care provider before its sale to Australian Unity in 2024.

Andrew has been integral to establishing a resident-focused model that integrates high-quality homes with tailored care and support services. His leadership reflects a commitment to helping older Australians maintain independence and wellbeing, while ensuring communities are designed to adapt to residents’ changing needs.

Known for his forward-thinking approach, Andrew is focused on delivering high-quality, innovative communities that set new standards in the seniors living sector.

John Stevens is Director of Principle Living and Founder and Chairman of the Stevens Group, one of New South Wales leading privately owned property development companies.

Since establishing the Stevens Group in 1982, John has led the delivery of more than 300 landmark developments across residential, commercial, hospitality and retirement sectors, earning a reputation for creating high quality, enduring communities. His long standing vision has been to design, construct and operate projects that set new benchmarks in quality, innovation and liveability.

At Principle Living, John brings over four decades of development expertise to a partnership that unites property excellence with deep knowledge of care and ageing. His leadership is instrumental in shaping communities that reflect their local context while supporting long term wellbeing and connection for residents.

His contribution to the property industry has positioned him as a respected leader, with a legacy defined by the consistent delivery of award-winning, benchmark setting developments across NSW.

Recognised for his commitment to excellence and strong industry partnerships, John continues to drive Principle Living on delivering thoughtfully designed environments that stand the test of time and enrich the lives of those who call them home.

Sue Mann is a pioneering Australian nurse and founder of Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care, a service she established in 1984 to deliver compassionate, in-home care to older Australians.

Training as a Registered Nurse at Gosford Hospital and graduating in 1971, Sue’s early experiences in the hospital system shaped her belief that patients deserve dignity, respect and personalised care in the comfort of their own home. Determined to redefine care delivery, she built her organisation from a one-woman operation into a leading community care provider, supporting thousands of clients across the Central Coast and Hunter.

Widely recognised for her passion, leadership and commitment to excellence, Sue has fostered a culture centred on quality, education and client-first outcomes. Her clinical interests, particularly in palliative and wound care, further reflect her dedication to improving quality of life for those in need. In 2026, Sue was recognised as a finalist for the NSW Senior Australian of the Year.

As part of the Mann family’s continued influence in aged care, her role as Principle Living Director extends her legacy through shaping modern home care services and building industry leading seniors living facilities that prioritise independence, choice and personalised support.

Michael O’Brien is Chief Executive Officer of the Stevens Group and plays a key leadership role in the delivery of Principle Living, the Group’s retirement living partnership as company Director.

As CEO, Michael oversees all aspects of the Stevens Group’s operations, including development, marketing, financial management and strategic forecasting across its diverse portfolio. His leadership extends into Principle Living, where he contributes to shaping high quality seniors living communities that integrate strong property fundamentals with resident focused outcomes.

A qualified CPA accredited accountant with formal training in financial administration, accounting and finance, Michael brings a disciplined and commercially astute approach to community development. His experience spans real estate, construction, hospitality and related sectors, enabling a holistic perspective on creating sustainable, high performing communities.

Working alongside the broader Principle Living leadership team, Michael supports the delivery of thoughtfully designed environments that prioritise quality, longevity and liveability, ensuring communities are not only well built, but well supported as residents’ needs evolve.

Bringing over 20 years of experience across finance, commercial strategy and executive leadership, Christian Southward leads the delivery of integrated development, operational and commercial outcomes across Principle Living.

As the group’s General Manager, he applies a highly strategic approach to building sustainable, high-performing communities, underpinned by senior leadership roles across property development, manufacturing and consumer goods. He also contributes as a Non-Executive Director of the Hunter TAFE Foundation.

A CPA and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Christian holds an MBA and a Master of Information Technology, and is passionate about building the systems, teams and frameworks that enable projects to be delivered with excellence.

Chris Old is Development Director at Principle Living, leading the delivery of major seniors living projects across the Hunter region. He is instrumental in shaping projects from planning through to execution including flagship site, The Apperly at Newcastle Golf Course.

With a strong background in project and development management, Chris has held senior roles across consultancy and construction, delivering complex projects across commercial and infrastructure sectors. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and bring formidable experience spanning large-scale developments such as Hunter Stadium and major community projects.

Chris is recognised for his practical, outcomes focused approach to creating high quality, well-integrated communities.

David Kelly has been with Principle Living for six years, working closely with development and operations teams to deliver high quality communities that support residents to enjoy a vibrant, well connected lifestyle.

He brings over 30 years of experience across sales and hospitality, including 18 years leading boutique hotels and resorts in Australia, France and New Zealand, and overseeing the commissioning and launch of new properties. He later spent 12 years in a national sales leadership role within the wine industry.

David’s expertise spans team leadership, operations, guest experience, facilities management, and sales and marketing. He holds an Associate Diploma in Management, a Hotel Management degree and is a qualified chef.

Leading the development and delivery of integrated marketing strategies, Lahnee Watts plays a key role in positioning Principle Living communities with clarity, confidence and impact.

With over a decade of experience in marketing, she brings a strong background in property development, digital campaigns and large-scale event delivery, having managed complex, multi-channel campaigns, stakeholder partnerships and high profile launches that drive engagement, lead generation and brand growth.

Known for her detail-driven approach and strategic mindset, Lahnee specialises in campaign execution, brand positioning and customer engagement, ensuring each project is delivered to a high professional standard. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing & International Business) and is recognised for results-focused outcomes.

Sandra Webb is Finance Assistant at Principle Living, supporting the finance team across accounts payable and receivable, while assisting the General Manager with day-to-day financial operations.

With over 35 years’ experience in bookkeeping, Sandra brings a highly organised and detail-oriented approach to financial management. Her background includes 15 years as Personal Assistant to the CEO of a prestige vehicle repair business and five years as a software trainer, alongside operating her own bookkeeping business.

Sandra holds a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping, Certificate IV in Frontline Management and an Advanced Certificate in Commerce, and is recognised for her accuracy, efficiency and practical financial insight.

Carl Lawrence is Project Manager at Principle Living, supporting the delivery of seniors living developments across the Hunter region. He is responsible for overseeing end-to-end project delivery, including construction, civil works and key infrastructure integration.

Carl began his career as an electrician before progressing into project management, bringing hands-on technical expertise to complex builds. He has delivered projects across both government and private sectors, including School Infrastructure NSW, TAFE NSW and the University of Newcastle.

His expertise spans contract administration, budget management and stakeholder coordination. He holds a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) and a Certificate IV in Project Management.

Adam Lubinski is Sales Manager at Principle Living, responsible for guiding prospective residents through the purchase journey and supporting them in making confident, informed lifestyle decisions. He leads the end-to-end sales process, from enquiry to settlement, while building strong relationships within the community and industry.

Adam brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and team leadership, including senior roles in the wine industry where he managed national events and high performing sales teams.

Known for his personable approach and strong customer focus, Adam specialises in retirement living sales, helping clients navigate downsizing and transition into vibrant, supportive communities.

As Village Manager at Blueheath, Jen Kolarik leads the day-to-day operations of the community while fostering a welcoming environment where residents feel a strong sense of belonging and ownership.

Her role balances operational responsibilities, including budgets, compliance, maintenance and safety, with a deep focus on resident wellbeing and support.

Jen brings extensive experience in retirement living and serviced apartments, with previous roles as Assistant Village Manager and Village Manager. Her background also includes senior health and wellness advisory work, supporting residents to access care services and remain independent, alongside experience with the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline. She is also a Justice of the Peace.