Our Mission
MLR Services exists to help body corporate committees, building managers and developers create 'Best for Building' outcomes, minimise disputes, and protect long-term asset value across strata and building management.
Our authoritative framework is grounded in strategic leadership, providing the sophisticated oversight required for community harmony. We are dedicated to elevating industry standards through unwavering integrity and professional excellence for all property stakeholders.
Meet the Owner
Since entering the Management and Letting Rights industry in 1991, Mike O'Farrell has become one of the sector's most respected authorities. As a inaugural National Board member of ARAMA and an active industry mentor, Mike's influence extends across the complex property structures of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and beyond.
Mike founded MLR Services with a clear vision: to make the BCCM Act workable for everyone. Having witnessed how vague agreements can escalate into financially disastrous disputes, he dedicated his career to a 'reason-based' mediation approach. Mike doesn't just interpret contracts; he applies the ABMA Code through a 'Best for Building' (B4B) lens to restore harmony and operational clarity.
A Brisbane local with deep property interests in Southeast Queensland, Mike combines legislative insight with the practical grit of a seasoned manager. Whether he is guest speaking and industry and lot owner forums or mediating high-stakes committee disputes, Mike' focus remains on creating enjoyable, sustainable lifestyles within shared occupancy models.
Chris Podmore
Business Development Manager
Chris Podmore brings a diverse operational background to MLR Services, with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the Management and Letting Rights industry and a career built across hospitality, building management, and industry support.
Having managed several prominent residential complexes in Brisbane, Chris has developed a practical understanding of the day-to-day realities of building operations, facilities management, contractor coordination, compliance, and resident expectations. His strong working knowledge of cloud-based systems and operational processes has enabled him to streamline site management, improve service delivery, and maintain high standards across a range of residential communities.
At MLR Services, Chris is responsible for undertaking our Time and Motion Studies, bringing together his practical site-based experience and industry knowledge to independently assess the duties, workload, and operational requirements of each scheme. His background ensures these reviews are grounded not just in theory, but in the realities of what it takes to effectively manage and maintain a building to an appropriate standard.
15+ Years Industry Experience | Strata Operations Specialist
Our Team
What our clients say
I have known Mike O'Farrell for over 20 years during which time I have observed his enthusiastic and professional approach to his own various management rights businesses and to the industry generally.
My firm has also been involved in different matters where Mike has acted as an advisor or as a mediator, roles in which he performs very well due to his extensive knowledge and experience in the industry and his practical, 'cut to the chase' approach.
I have no hesitation in recommending Mike and MLR Services for any advisory, consultancy or mediation role in management rights generally or dispute resolution specifically.
John Mahoney
mahoneys.com.au
We have known Mike O'Farrell for just over 2 years. Whilst this is a relatively short time, his contribution to us in the development of our business over this time has been invaluable.
As newcomers to the MLR business, Mike was able to assist us with access to relevant information, training programs and contacts. This enabled us to make a smooth transition into the Property Industry professionally.
Mike has a considerable working knowledge and experience in the industry. We valued the time afforded to us and think this and his positive and responsive approach was of significant benefit and is one of the reasons we continue to enjoy working in this Industry.
Jasmine & Geoff Shortland
CENTRA Toowong
Having been in the management rights industry for less than 5 months - an incredibly difficult and challenging period - meeting someone like Mike O'Farrell has made all the difference in the world.
His positive and caring nature and wealth of knowledge and generosity in sharing that knowledge has helped motivate me and shown me that quite possibly there is light at the end of the dark tunnel!
The management rights industry is complex and multi-faceted and Mike's guidance through the volumes of rules and regulations, Acts and acronyms and common sense approach - all with a wonderful sense of humour - is invaluable as is knowing that if something does go wrong, in Mike I have an experienced, battle hardened ally.
Sophie & John Dillon
Alexandra Apartments
I have had the pleasure to work with Mike on his own Real Estate and MLR business in a professional capacity over the past 6 years.
Mike’s attention to detail and exceptional analysis skills are definite attributes which have ensured Mike’s business success and longevity in the Management Rights industry.
As a long-standing Management Rights business owner and operator, this exemplifies the trust unit owners of his business place in him. As a long term business owner in a high demand 'Corporate' let business, which has been consistently performing at a high level for a long period of time ensures Mike's business experience and industry knowledge will be truly sort after in the industry.
I have no hesitation to recommend Mike's MLR services for all MLR consultancy and advisory roles.
Alex McCowan
Australian Valuers