About us
The Macquarie Knight Family
Macquarie Knight is more than a construction company – it’s a family legacy, now proudly spanning two generations. Founded by husband and wife team Matt and Sandra Southwell, the business has grown into a true family enterprise with their eldest children, Hannah and Matt (Jnr), stepping into key roles alongside them.
Our passion for property runs deep. From an early age, our children grew up on building sites, listening to design debates around the dinner table, and even lending a hand on renovations. Some of their fondest memories are of tagging along with Dad to Saddington’s, where the builder’s sand bay – affectionately known as the “Rock Shop”, became their playground.
What began as a shared passion has grown into a thriving business built on the values we hold closest: Family, Honesty, and Quality. We’ve been fortunate to turn our love for property into a company that not only delivers exceptional homes and investment opportunities, but also carries forward a culture of trust and care for the next generation.
At Macquarie Knight, we work side by side as a family, guided by the same principles we live by: doing the right thing, delivering quality without compromise and treating every client with the respect they deserve. These values, combined with decades of experience and a genuine love for what we do, are what make Macquarie Knight truly unique.
INVESTMENT PROPERTY SPECIALISTS
We are passionate about identifying great land opportunities and taking them from nothing to something – something of quality that helps people generate wealth for their future!
With over 200 projects completed throughout the Hunter Valley and Central Coast regions, we have acquired an exceptional level of expertise in the investment property market, knowing how to achieve the highest return on investment for our clients every time.
Our reputation for providing quality results for our clients come from the extensive work and dedication that we put into monitoring over 40 subdivisions across the hunter valley and central coast regions to secure the best locations early. Plus, our experience in creating dual occupancies and investment properties across several council precincts gives us a deep understanding of what is required to comply and be approved promptly.
We have also forged strong and respectful working relationships with all Local Government Area (LGA’s) in our chosen area, and the benefit of this relationship is passed onto our clients.
MATT SOUTHWELL (SNR)
Matt is the Principal of the business and oversees all aspects of Finance, Operation and Marketing for MKC. Matt (BEc, BConstMgt) is a Master Builder, is a licensed Real Estate Agent and has had over 25 years’ experience across many sectors of the construction industry.
Matt has a passion for both property development and property investment. With a combined Economics and Construction background, Matt intimately understands what goes into developing and sustaining a property-based investment portfolio.
MATT SOUTHWELL (JNR)
As General Manager of Macquarie Knight, Matt leads the company with a clear vision for growth, operational excellence, and client success. Backed by a strong foundation in Business Management and extensive leadership experience, Matt ensures the business consistently delivers results while upholding its reputation as a trusted industry leader.
Outside of the office, Matt is a dedicated CrossFit athlete and training to compete in an Ironman series. His passion for endurance and strength sports reflects the same resilience, discipline, and relentless drive that define his leadership – always striving for improvement and setting the standard for excellence.
HANNAH SOUTHWELL
Hannah is the Relationship Manager at Macquarie Knight. She oversees client engagement, sales, marketing, and branding with a refreshingly honest approach. Mentored by one of the region’s most respected property investment educators, she focuses on clear, practical guidance. Her ability to connect with people and simplify complex ideas makes her a trusted guide for clients building long‑term wealth through property.
Beyond her professional role, Hannah is an accomplished athlete who has represented Australia across three sports. She plays rugby league at the highest level, representing both New South Wales in State of Origin and the Australian Jillaroos, and has been a part of three NRLW Premiership‑winning teams.
CASEY LAMBORN
Casey has spent more than two decades turning construction concepts into reality. A BDAA‑qualified designer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, she’s fluent in every nuance of drafting and project planning – and somehow makes it all look effortless.
With 25+ years as a draftsperson, Casey brings encyclopaedic industry knowledge, a quick wit, and a knack for cutting through red tape. Her straight-talking advice and sharp eye for detail keep projects moving forward with clarity and confidence.
When she’s not wrangling plans or navigating approvals, she’s enjoying life in the Hunter with her three kids – proof she can juggle just about anything.
Mark Mlinaric
With over 39 years in the residential construction industry, Mark has mastered his craft from the ground up – starting as a Carpenter and building his way to becoming a highly respected Construction Supervisor within NSW. Mark’s eagle-eyed attention to detail ensures every project meets the highest standards, while his quick wit and sharp sense of humour keep the team’s spirits high.
Widely regarded as a Master Builder within the residential construction space, Mark blends technical expertise with an infectious energy that makes him an irreplaceable part of our success.
MATT SOUTHWELL (SNR)
Matt is the Principal of the business and oversees all aspects of Finance, Operation and Marketing for MKC. Matt (BEc, BConstMgt) is a Master Builder, is a licensed Real Estate Agent and has had over 25 years’ experience across many sectors of the construction industry.
Matt has a passion for both property development and property investment. With a combined Economics and Construction background, Matt intimately understands what goes into developing and sustaining a property-based investment portfolio.
MATT SOUTHWELL (JNR)
Matt (Jnr) head’s up Land Acquisition and Contracts Administration for MKC. Having grown up in a family of Developers and Builders, Matt’s developed a strong passion for Construction over the years. He began his trade as a Chef, eventually making the transition into Construction.
Matt oversees all aspects of IT, Communication and QA for the business and is currently training in Business Management. He’s the next generation of Macquarie Knight and is looking forward to further developing the business into a long-term market leader in the Investment Property sector. Outside of work, Matt has a passion for all things fitness and regularly competes in local Triathlon tournaments.
HANNAH SOUTHWELL
Hannah is the Relationship Manager for Macquarie Knight. Her role incorporates all aspects of sales, marketing, social media, branding and client liaison. Hannah has been mentored by one of the most senior members of the Property Investment industry here in the Hunter / Central Coast region and adopts a raw and extremely honest approach to sharing information to our clients. No smoke and mirrors are used in Hannah’s approach to Property Investment education – it’s relating to the client what both her mentor and she have done themselves to develop successful passive incomes from property. Away from making people money through property, Hannah plays Rugby League for NSW and the Australian Jillaroo’s. She has also represented Australia in Soccer and Rugby 7’s.
