The VIC Strata Magazine | April 2025

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The VIC STRATA MAGAZINE

APRIL 2025

When the Owners Corporation has no funds - what do you do?

Page 14 | Tisher Liner FC Law

How do I ensure the strata manager provides true and accurate minutes?

Page 16 | Horizon Strata Management

Always give the committee a decision to make Page 18 | Strata Solve

LookUpStrata is Australia’s Top Property Blog Dedicated to Strata Living. The site has been providing reliable strata information to lot owners, strata managers and other strata professionals since 2013.

As well as publishing legislative articles to keep their audience up to date with changes to strata, this family owned business is known for their national Q&A service that provides useful responses to lot owners and members of the strata industry. They have created a national network of leading strata specialists across Australia who assist with 100s of the LookUpStrata audiences’ queries every month.

Strata information is distributed freely to their dedicated audience of readers via regular Webinars, Magazines and Newsletters. The LookUpStrata audience also has free access to The LookUpStrata Directory, showcasing 100s of strata service professionals from across Australia. To take a look at the LookUpStrata Directory, flip to the end of this magazine.

Meet the team

Nikki began building LookUpStrata back in 2012 and officially launched the company early 2013. With a background in Information Management, LookUpStrata has helped Nikki realise her mission of providing detailed, practical, and easy to understand strata information to all Australians.

Nikki shares her time between three companies, including Tower Body Corporate, a body corporate company in SEQ. Nikki is also known for presenting regular strata webinars, where LookUpStrata hosts a strata expert to cover a specific topic and respond to audience questions.

Liza came on board in early 2020 to bring structure to LookUpStrata. She has a passion for processes, growth and education. This quickly resulted in the creation of The Strata Magazine released monthly in New South Wales and Queensland, and bi-monthly in Western Australia and Victoria. As of 2021, LookUpStrata now produce 33 state based online magazines a year.

Among other daily tasks, Liza is involved in scheduling and liaising with upcoming webinar presenters, sourcing responses to audience questions and assisting strata service professionals who are interested in growing their business.

Disclaimer:

www.lookupstrata.com.au www.lookupstrata.com.au

Liza Jovicic Sales and Content Manager

Identifying insurable storm damage vs. pre-existing water damage in strata buildings

If a building experiences water ingress, how can owners and committees differentiate between damage covered by their strata insurance (e.g., storm damage) and damage that exist or due to lack of maintenance?

If your building has existing problems like concrete spalling or timber rot, these are not ordinarily accepted as storm damage because it’s fairly obvious they are pre-existing.

Most committees, owners corporation managers and building managers are reasonably aware of the existing maintenance issues and problems in the building, e.g., dark stains or the efflorescence you see coming out of balconies, concrete spalling, timber rot, and steel corrosion. They’re all visible signs of water damage, but none occur within a week or two after a storm. They’re signs of long-term maintenance problems.

As a building consultant, when we attend the building for an assessment or project manage a site, we look for damage that happened during the cyclone. Also, our duty of care is to identify other things that could have contributed to damage, like water ingress.

Mould is always tricky. Mould can develop within days, so it can be complicated to determine the difference between existing mould and new mould as a result of water inundation. Experts can determine that to help get a clear picture of what sits in that maintenance area and what may have contributed to further damage because it wasn’t repaired.

If your building has existing problems such as steel corrosion, rust, or timber rot, these are not ordinarily accepted as storm damage because it’s fairly obvious they are pre-existing. It is also important to understand what is covered by the owners corporation insurance policy.

You can refer to your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what is considered lot property and what is the responsibility of the lot owner. It’s highly recommended that investors take out the appropriate landlord insurance cover to ensure the required coverage in these situations when the owners corporations insurance is unable to respond.

Bruce McKenzie | Sedgwick bruce.mckenzie@au.sedgwick.com

BUILDING CONSULTANCY

•Defect

•Scope of works

•Contractor

•Capital

•Façade

Using personal contents insurance for damage to other lots

Due to rising premiums and higher excesses, should strata committees advise owners to use their personal contents insurance liability coverage if they cause damage to other lots?

Given the significant rise in strata premiums leading many owners corporations to adopt much higher excesses, should strata committees advise owners to utilise the legal liability coverage within their personal contents insurance policies when owners are responsible for damage (such as water damage) to another person’s property? This would allow the affected party to be compensated.

Understanding key points in this context is crucial.

Legal liability coverage comes into play when an owner is deemed responsible for causing damage to another person’s property. It is crucial to understand key points in this context:

• Damage contained within the owner’s lot: If the damage is confined to the owner’s lot, a legal liability claim is not viable since one cannot pursue legal action against oneself for damages.

• Nature of water leaks: Insurance companies often classify water leaks as unforeseen incidents, especially when the lot owner had no prior knowledge of the leak’s potential or cause. In many cases, these leaks are attributed to unforeseen causes without any negligence on the part of the lot owner. Insurers may argue there was no foreseeable action the owner could have taken to mitigate the loss more effectively. Consequently, they may deny liability by asserting that the owner’s actions (or lack thereof) do not constitute negligence under common law principles.

• Lot owner as an insured party: Importantly, a lot owner is an insured party under the strata insurance policy, which grants them the right to make a claim. This aspect underscores the potential for seeking to claim through the strata insurance policy, rather than personal contents insurance, especially when it is challenging to meet the criteria for establishing a claim for legal liability under contents insurance.

This reality suggests that, in many cases, turning to personal contents insurance for coverage under legal liability may not be an option.

Mention this offer when requesting a quote from us, and we will provide a discount off our standard fee for service of $250 (GST Inc) for buildings with 10-25 lots or $500 (GST Inc) for buildings with more than 25 lots for the first year you insure with Strata Insurance Solutions.

To redeem this offer email a copy of your current policy schedule to Strata Insurance Solutions within 1 month of the publication of this magazine. Your policy can expire any time in the next 12 months. However we can only provide quotes 30 days prior to the expiry of your policyif your policy is not due now, we will schedule a quote at the appropriate time. To ensure we apply this offer to our quotes, please specifically mention you would like to redeem the "LookUpStrata Special Offer".

Take the test todaysee how much you can save.

Overcoming Client Objections: Insights

from QIA Group’s Inspectors for Strata Managers

As a service provider, at QIA Group, we understand that strata management can often feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to dealing with client objections and committee concerns. Whether you’re managing maintenance, conducting meetings, or addressing resident complaints, your role is vital to the smooth operation of the building. Here’s a light-hearted look at how our inspectors at QIA Group handle objections during property inspections and how you, as a strata manager, can apply these strategies to your own work.

1. Listen and Acknowledge the Concern

It’s not uncommon for committee members to express concerns about reports and recommendations made during inspections. Often, they just want to feel heard and validated, which is why it’s essential to listen attentively and acknowledge their concerns. Some times, just letting someone vent can go a long way.

2. Stay Calm Under Fire

Dealing with objections can sometimes feel like you're standing in the middle of a storm, especially when committee members are upset about certain findings. However, staying calm and composed in these situations can turn a tense moment into an opportunity for education.

3. Offer a Solution, Not Just an Explanation

Clients don’t just want to know what’s wrong they want solutions. Our inspectors know that it’s essential to present possible solutions when discussing issues. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and show that you’re focused on providin g value.

4. Set Expectations and Educate

Sometimes, objections arise because committee members don’t fully understand the scope of work, or the importance of certain recommendations. As specialists in our field, we excel at educating clients, explaining the why behind each suggestion. When expectations are set clearly, objections often fade away.

Funny anecdote:

In one instance, a committee was adamant that a building’s gutters were completely fine, despite our inspector pointing out some significant blockages. After some back and forth, the inspector suggested, “You know, gutters are a little like teenagers if you don’t check on them regularly, they can get into a lot of trouble.” The committee chair laughed, but after learning more about the risks of clogged gutters, they agreed to implement the recommended cleaning schedule.

5. Know When to Escalate

Despite all our efforts to offer solutions and education, there are times when the situation might escalate beyond what we can resolve in the moment. That’s when knowing when to escalate and bring in senior management or suggest further mediation is key. It’s not a failure it's just part of the process.

Final Thoughts

The next time you're faced with a heated committee meeting or a difficult client, remember: a little humour, a calm demeanour, and a solid solution can go a long way in turning a challenging situation into a positive one.

STRATA COMPLIANCE REPORTS THAT ARE EASY TO UNDERSTAND

Maintenance Plans

What Inspection of the common property to create a forecast and timeline of future capital works expenditure

Why To help maximise the value of your property and minimise unexpected levies

To help comply with strata regulations which require an ongoing 10 year forecast

When Every 5 years (earlier if an unexpected change in property condition or budget occurs)

Building Maintenance Assessment Reports

What Inspection of common property to assist Owners Corporations and Bodies Corporate identify areas which require Maintenance & early identification of more serious building deterioration and defects.

Why Maintenance happens – In many cases the failure to adopt an approach or standard leads to inaction and potential for one costly maintenance issue after another with Owners possibly being forced to raise Special Levies to pay for the unexpected works.

When Yearly

Common Property Safety Reports

What Inspection of the common property to detail physical safety hazards and ways to address them

Why To help minimise potential hazards to property owners, residents and visitors

To help comply with safety regulations and common law duty of care

When Yearly

Fire Safety Audits & Evacuation Plans

What Inspection of the property to audit fire equipment records, evacuation plans and training

Why To help minimise the risk of personal injury and property loss as well as financial and legal liability

To help comply with fire regulations and common law duty of care

When Yearly in QLD, as required in other states

Insurance Valuations

What Inspection of the property to provide an independent estimate of the replacement cost

Why To help minimise the risk of being unable to rebuild due to insufficient insurance coverage

When Every 5 years

Asbestos Inspections & Reports

What Inspection of the common property including sampling and testing of suspected asbestos containing materials

Why To help minimise health risks and property contamination as well as financial and legal liability

To help comply with asbestos regulations and common law duty of care

When Immediately if asbestos is suspected

Yearly if the asbestos containing materials are unstable and/or changed, or 5 yearly if undisturbed

The information in this document is merely a summary for the purpose of providing a simplified overview, for detailed information please contact us. Timeframes are based on a combination of legislative requirements, common law duty of care and best practice to help meet compliance obligations and to assist in minimising personal injury and property loss as well as financial and legal liability. Timeframes can be customised to meet specific requirements.

Can strata accept embedded network provider increases on residents’ behalf?

When the embedded network provider increases rates, how can the strata accept the increase on residents’ behalf?

What is the process with electricity tariffs when the embedded network provider wants to increase prices that are unacceptable to the owners corporation? When rates increase, how can the strata, who are not the endpaying residents, accept the increase on residents’ behalf?

If the agreement requires OC approval for changes, the committee may need to review and formally accept the adjustment.

In an embedded network, the embedded network operator sets the tariff that resident’s pay, typically in accordance with the terms of

their agreement with the owners corporation (OC). The OC, acting on behalf of residents, may have already agreed to a pricing structure that allows for periodic adjustments, such as increases based on market rates, network cost changes, etc.

In many cases, the OC does not need to take any further action for a price increase to take effect, as the contract with the embedded network operator may include provisions allowing the operator to adjust tariffs directly. However, if the agreement requires OC approval for changes, the committee may need to review and formally accept the adjustment. Residents could refer to their OC’s agreement with the embedded network operator to understand how pricing adjustments are handled in their specific embedded network.

Joseph Arena | Embedded Network Arena joseph@embeddednetworkarena.com.au

READ MORE HERE

Expert Owners Corporation Lawyers

When the Owners Corporation has no fundswhat do you do?

Owners Corporations can have unexpected liabilities and expenses. An example is the need to fund major defect remediation work such as a cladding project or a replacement of a roof.

So how does the Owners Corporation fund such works?

Maintenance Plans

Hopefully there is a maintenance fund that deals with likely capital works that has been subject to a well thought out maintenance plan Since December 2021, tier one and tier two Owners Corporations must adopt a maintenance plan. Other Owners Corporations don’t need to but may adopt a maintenance plan Funds can be used in accordance with the maintenance plan or for extraordinary expens es if a special resolution allows it (see section 44) or in the case of a specified emergency (see section 45).

Special levies

Section 24 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 provides an Owners Corporation can strike a levy for extraordinary expenses. If the amount is more than twice the annual fees a special resolution is required otherwise an ordinary resolution is required This means a committee can strike the levy (when less than twice the annual fees).

Section 25 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 provides that by ordinary resolution, if the amount borrowed does not exceed the amount of the current annual fees of the Owners Corporation it can obtain a loan For amounts in excess of this, a special resolution is required The Owners Corporation is not able to charge or mortgage common property under section 17 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 It is important that the loan is carefully drafted, at market value and conflicts of interest are dealt with

There are a number of commercial lenders that specialise in providing loans to Owners Corporations. See our earlier blog on what to look for when entering into a loan available here.

Tips for an Owners Corporation

It is important that any decision is documented properly and provisions concerning no tice periods for the meeting are complied with. Whilst some ordinary decisions can be made by a committee, if there is time and the decision is a major one sometimes it is better to let the lot owners make the decision at a special general meeting rather than the committee making the decision This way lot owners can feel like they have had a say, and there may be less complaints also

Need assistance?

For expert assistance and advice concerning what Owners Corporations can and cannot do and advice on loan terms, resolutions and meetings contact Phillip Leaman, head of our Owners Corporations team at Tisher Liner FC Law

Our Blogs

To see a list of matters we ’ ve been successful in or to access our OC information resources, please visit our website or sign up to our blog.

How do I ensure the strata manager provides true and accurate minutes?

Should I go to VCAT to ask the committee to review, amend, and confirm the minutes as true and correct?

As a committee member of our Melbourne owners corporation (OC), how can I address persistent inaccuracies in our meeting minutes? Since late 2023, our strata manager’s minutes contained errors. Despite our repeated attempts to propose amendments during committee meetings, the minutes remain unconfirmed. I propose a process for confirming past draft minutes at our last meeting, but the chair removed it.

I filed a formal complaint. No grievance meeting occurred, and I was told no action would be taken. A month later, my second formal complaint about the breached dispute resolution process and the urgent need to amend the minutes went unanswered.

Should I go to VCAT to ask the committee to review, amend and hopefully confirm the minutes as true and correct? Are other options available?

When you have not resolved your issue through the complaint process, you will likely need to consider VCAT as the next step.

There are several points to address. The first is the minutes and the meeting. It sounds like the manager is convening the meeting, most likely at the request of the chair. If so, then the chair will generally set the agenda of the meeting and advise the manager to circulate the notice accordingly. You should discuss this with your chair if you believe the item needs to be on the agenda to enable a better managed environment for the minute taking.

Regarding the formal complaint and the dispute resolution process, this has a few more layers to it. Part 10 of the Act covers complaints and the various procedures that follow. In particular, when the OC receives a formal complaint, it has three choices in accordance with Section 153.

1. To take action under this Part in respect of the alleged breach; or

2. To apply to VCAT for an order requiring the person to rectify the alleged breach; or

3. To take no action in respect of the alleged breach.

This decision is generally taken by the committee elected at the time. If you or another person is on the committee and a party to the complaint, I recommend they are omitted from the decisionmaking process for obvious reasons.

Section 153(3) is an important part of this decisionmaking process and can be confusing. If the committee consider the complaint and decide to follow through with either a) or b) above, then before doing so, they must first adhere to the following:

1. The dispute resolution process required by the rules must be followed; and

2. The OC must satisfy itself that the matter has not been resolve through that process.

Based on your feedback, however, it appears the committee chose option c) and took no action in respect of the alleged breach. Therefore, they are required by the Act to follow Section 154 and advise you of the outcome, including the reason(s) why no further action was taken. This is where the complaint ends.

A grievance meeting is required as part of the standard OC Model Rules Dispute Resolution process. One must be completed if you choose a) or b). However, there is no obligation to hold a grievance meeting if the committee choose option c).

Generally, when you have not resolved your issue through the complaint process, you will likely need to consider VCAT as the next step in order to have your complaint or matter heard by an independent party. The alternative is you could have another minute taker appointed whom parties trust to provide an accurate document for the committee to sign off on.

Joel Chamberlain | Horizon Strata Management joel.chamberlain@horizonstrata.com.au

A Refreshing Approach to Strata Management

Experienced and Professional Owners Corporation Managers in Melbourne

At Horizon Strata, we make sure the job gets done properly without all the fuss.

Owners Corporation management requires expert knowledge as well as forward logical thinking to allow residents to live harmoniously, and owners to have peace of mind.

Horizon takes great pride in operating under these principles. This allows us to provide premium and transparent management for any strata-titled property.

Together with the day to day running of your Owners Corporation we provide comprehensive services which support owners through some of the most difficult & complex projects.

We are experienced in handling:

• Combustible Cladding

• Building Defects

• Financial Management

• Insurance Matters

Horizon does not take commissions or rebates from any supplier or Insurance provider. Our buildings under management range from 20 to 400 Lots so you can be assured we have the capability to manage your Owners Corporation, no matter the size.

Always give the committee a decision to make

What techniques are recommended to change the language, attitude and bias of our committee who perceive lot owner concerns as ‘objections’ and ‘complaints’?

Always ensure you give the committee a decision to make.

Generally, we think your best bet is to ensure that your ‘objections’ or ‘complaints’ are succinct, accurate, objective and clear in your aim. In other words, make sure you avoid dissertations and ‘rants’ and always ensure you give the committee a decision to make. For example, requesting the committee to ‘decide’ or ‘resolve’ something and referencing a quote or similar, is more tangible and action-focused than suggesting they ‘investigate’ or ‘consider’ something.

This is general information only and not legal advice.

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Is

service legally presumed once the notice is posted or when it’s received?

When is notice considered served? Is it when the strata manager posts it, or the owner receives it?

I live in a block of eight townhouses in Melbourne. The strata manager announced our AGM via email with only a few days’ warning, which I missed due to prior commitments. I was mailed a paper notice for the rescheduled AGM, though it also arrived too late.

I prefer to receive AGM notices by mail so I can make notes. The manager states he sent both notices on time, fulfilling his obligation. However, I never received the first notice, and the second arrived late. Can I receive both email and paper notices, or can I only elect to receive one or the other?

• For the purpose of correct notification, is the notice considered “given” on the date the manager claims to have mailed it, or on the date the resident receives it?

• Is the strata manager required to retain proof of posting the AGM notices?

• Since the AGM has now concluded, what actions can I take if the notice was inadequate?

If a law requires a document to be sent by mail, service is deemed to have occurred when the document is properly addressed, prepaid, and posted.

Under Section 72 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic), notice of an AGM must be given in writing to each lot owner at least 14 days before the meeting. While notice may be provided electronically, it is not mandatory.

The Act does not specify the exact date a notice must be posted or how service by post is affected. However, guidance can be drawn from the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 (Vic). Under Section 49 of that Act, if a law requires a document to be sent by mail, service is deemed to have occurred when the document is properly addressed, prepaid, and posted. Furthermore, it is presumed to be delivered within the time it would normally take for mail to arrive unless evidence suggests otherwise.

This interpretation suggests that the manager does not need to keep proof of postage, as service is legally presumed once the notice is posted. However, it is considered good practice for managers to retain records of when notices are sent to avoid disputes.

An owner may challenge the presumption of service by proving, on the balance of probabilities, that the notice was not delivered. This is distinct from merely not receiving the notice, as the determination depends on the specific facts of each case.

According to Australia Post, regular mail delivery can take 3–7 business days. Given this uncertainty, VCAT has previously considered a similar provision and ruled that the key requirement is when the notice is given, not when it is received (Wilbow Corporation PL v Boroondara CC (Red Dot) [2006] VCAT 437). This means that as long as the notice was posted or emailed at least 14 days before the AGM, it is legally considered served, regardless of when you actually received it.

Based on the information provided, it appears that the manager did issue the notice, and the issue is more about when it was received rather than whether it was sent. Unless there is evidence that the manager failed to post or email the notice at least 14 days before the AGM, they are unlikely to be considered at fault. While it is unfortunate that you missed the meeting, the legal requirement focuses on when notice is given rather than when it is received.

If you believe the manager failed to comply with the notice requirements, for example,

if the notice was not posted or emailed at least 14 days before the AGM, you may have grounds to challenge the validity of the meeting. Potential actions include:

1. Ask the manager to confirm when the notice was posted or emailed.

2. Raise a complaint under Section 152 of the Act with the owners corporation.

3. If you believe the AGM was not properly convened, you may apply to VCAT for an order addressing the procedural failure.

4. If you prefer paper notices and find the current process unreliable, you could propose a resolution at a future meeting to require the manager to send notices by registered post, retain proof of postage or for the notices to be sent by mail and email.

Loncar | Moray & Agnew Lawyers floncar@moray.com.au

When can the owners corporation apply the benefits principle?

If a common property leak causes lot damage, can the owners corporation apply the benefit principle to the defects and damage?

An owners corporation may be able to apply the benefit principle to the costs of rectifying the originating defect if the issue mainly benefits the lot rather than all of the lots.

An owners corporation (OC) may be able to apply the benefit principle to the costs of rectifying the originating defect if the issue mainly benefits the lot rather than all of the lots. An example might be where there is water ingress from a defective window in a lot. The costs of rectifying the window may be applied using the benefit principle.

However, if the OC was on notice of the defect and did nothing to fix the issue and as a consequence of that failure, water ingress occurred for a while and damaged say, the carpet, the OC might be required to pay to fix the carpet. The costs cannot be apportioned according to the benefit principle because they are damages that arise from the OC’s breach of a statutory duty.

If there is water ingress from the apartment above’s defective balcony waterproof membrane, what can the owners corporation do?

This is a dispute between private lot owners. The OC may serve a notice on the lot owner above, requiring them to repair their balcony.

Whilst this is a dispute between private lot owners, the OC may (but has no obligation to) serve on the lot owner above, a Section 48 notice requiring the lot owner to make repairs to their balcony. If the notice is not

complied with (the lot owner has 28 days to fix the issue), the OC can fix the issue and charge the lot owner the full cost of rectification. Any consequential damage occurring to the bottom apartment needs to be fixed and dealt with as between the two lot owners and the OC has no power to fix the consequential damage arising from the private lot defects.

Insurance obligations for houses under an owners corporation

Eleven houses are under an owners corporate agreement, with common land and a road. Are we required to insure our house with the owners corporation’s insurer?

Eleven houses with different uses are under an owners corporate agreement because there is common land and a road. We have to have owners corporation insurance for the common areas, but are we obliged by the legislation to insure our individual houses with the same insurer?

The owners corporation can, by unanimous resolution, decide that individual owners are responsible for insuring their own dwellings.

Section 61A of the Owners Corporation Act 2006 addresses situations involving single dwellings.

61A Insurance for multiple single dwellings on a plan of subdivision

An owners corporation on a plan of subdivision for multiple single dwellings with common property may, by unanimous resolution, resolve that the lot owner of each single dwelling is responsible to insure their lot.

However, it is important to emphasise that these dwellings must be on a plan of subdivision, and the owners corporation is responsible for insuring any common areas, such as roads, which will also require public liability insurance.

READ MORE HERE

Benefits of having an SCA Member as your Strata Manager

Choosing the right Strata Manager for your building is important. If your Strata Manager is a member of the Strata Community Association (SCA), you will have someone who is professional, has expert knowledge and is dedicated to making sure your property is well managed

What sets an SCA member apart?

Expert Knowledge: SCA members undergo professional training and stay updated on the latest legislation governing strata communities

Code of Conduct: SCA members must adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct which outlines ethical standards, professional behaviour, and compliance requirements

Continuous Learning: SCA members are required to participate in a minimum of 6-12 hours per year of education and training to maintain their membership

Great Resources: SCA members have access to a large range of tools and resources prepared by the SCA. These include guidelines on best practices and templates for different tasks

Upcoming Training & Events

Financial Matters Workshop: Assistant to Level 1 Strata Manager

Date:

Cost:

Location:

CPD:

16 April 2025, 9:30am - 12:30pm

$120 Members ($240 3 For 2 Deal)

$240 Non-Members The Manningham Hotel & Club 3

Equipping Strata Assistants with fundamental financial knowledge to transition to Level 1 Strata Manager

Presenters: Julie Mclean, Life Member SCA (Vic) - Gino Marinaro, Business Development Manager & Senior Strata Manager Melcorp Strata - Scott Allen, General Manager Strata Insurance

Register: https://www trybooking com/DAAQT

Reading and Understanding Plans of Subdivision

Date:

Cost:

Location: CPD:

9 May 2025, 10:00am - 12:30pm

$120 Members

CitiPower Centre - Junction Oval, St Kilda 2

The Reading and Understanding Plans Seminar is designed for Strata Managers seeking a comprehensive understanding as to how to interpret strata plans

Presenter: Andrew Whitelaw, Director, Whitelaw Flynn Lawyers

Register: https://www trybooking com/CWPMZ

Budgeting Basics: Historical Budgeting in Strata Communities

Date: 6 May 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am

Cost:

Location: CPD:

$70 Members

$140 Non-Members Online Webinar 1

This session teaches Strata Managers to use historical budgeting to plan finances better by looking at past spending, understanding income patterns, and setting realistic budgets

Presenter: Carole Anderson, Lighthouse Consulting & Training

Register: https://www trybooking com/DAHIZ

Date:

Cost:

Location:

CPD:

22 May 2025, 9:30am - 5:10pm

$250 Members

$500 Non-Members

Leonda by the Yarra

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The Law Forum is a premier event for strata industry professionals, offering expert insights into emerging legal trends and challenges in strata law Attendees will engage in dynamic discussions, gain practical guidance, and connect with legal experts and peers This forum provides valuable opportunities to stay informed, enhance professional skills, and strengthen industry networks

Key Sessions Include:

Benefit Principle: Learn how these principles depart from the traditional lot liability rule and impact fee structures and expenses

Ethical Practices: Understand new disclosure requirements and compliance obligations effective from July 2024

Legal Changes & Case Reviews: Stay updated with recent developments, landmark cases, and practical implications for your strata management practices

Water Act Essentials: Navigate compliance and governance regarding water management in your community

Building Defects & Cladding Concerns: Get equipped to handle common issues and legislative compliance around building notices and defects

Click to view the full program!

Register: https://www trybooking com/CWPOQ

Principals’ Retreat 2025

Date:

Cost:

Location:

CPD: 5 June - 8 June

$1650 Members (Full 3 Day Registration)

Hilton Cairns

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The Principals’ Retreat is set to offer a unique experience with industry targeted conferences over 2 days, along with incredible social networking opportunities over 3 evening dinners Hosted at the Hilton Cairns Hotel, you will want to book early to secure your spot and take advantage of this incredible experience

Register: https://www trybooking com/CXQHG

SCA (VIC) A100 June 2025

Date:

Cost:

CPD: 12 June 2025, 9:30am - 3:00pm 19 June 2025, 9:30am - 3:00pm 26 June 2025, 9:30pm - 3:00pm

$759 Members (3 Day Access)

$1518 Non-Members (3 Day Access)

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Are you new to strata management or seeking to refresh your industry knowledge? The A100 Introduction to Strata course is designed for all strata professionals, offering a comprehensive in-person learning experience over three engaging days Gain essential insights into key areas such as legislation, governance, financial management, maintenance, and risk management This course will equip you with practical skills and confidence to navigate the strata industry and advance your career. Join us and elevate your professional expertise!

Day 1: Legal and Governance Foundations

Day 2: Leadership, Ethics, and Risk Management

Looking for more?

For all the latest news, updates and events, head to our website www vic strata community and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!

Day 3: Financial Management and Maintenace

Register: https://www trybooking com/CXYUA

WEBINAR

Gear up your committee education on the duties for committee members and understand better who does what, when and why. Plus we’ll explain how to implement effective communication, transparency, and procedural excellence as a committee

Thursday 17th April 2025

12PM -1PM AEST

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Expert Panelists

Chris Irons, OCN QLD Director, Strata Solve

James, Chambers Russell

Janette Corcoran, OCN Director, Victoria

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Customer Service Software for Strata

P: 08 7477 8991

W: https://resvu.com.au/ E: enquiries@resvu.com.au

StrataMax

Streamlining strata

P: 1800 656 368

W: https://www.stratamax.com/ E: info@stratamax.com

MYBOS

Building Management - Residential & FM Schemes

P: 1300 912 386

W: https://www.mybos.com.au/ E: sam@mybos.com.au

Urbanise

Automate your workload to increase efficiency

P: 1300 832 852

W: https://www.urbanise.com/ E: marketing@urbanise.com

Onsite.fm

Building Management Software

P: 02 7227 8550

W: https://onsite.fm/ E: hello@onsite.fm

eVotters

The onlne voting solution

P: 61 28011 4797

W: https://www.evotters.com/ E: support@evotters.com

LookUpStrata

Australia’s #1 Strata Title Information Site

W: https://www.lookupstrata.com.au/ E: administration@lookupstrata.com.au

Strata Community Association

P: 02 9492 8200

W: https://www.strata.community/ E: admin@strata.community

Owners Corporation Network

The Independent Voice of Strata Owners

W: https://ocn.org.au/ E: enquiries@ocn.org.au

Your Strata Property

Demystifying the legal complexities of apartments

W: https://www.yourstrataproperty.com.au/ E: amanda@yourstrataproperty.com.au

BUILDING

ENGINEERS & INSPECTORS

Sedgwick

Building Consultancy Division & Repair Solutions

W: https://www.sedgwick.com/solutions/global/au E: sales@au.sedgwick.com

QIA Group

Compliance Made Easy

P: 1300 309 201

W: https://www.qiagroup.com.au/ E: info@qiagroup.com.au

GQS

Quantity Surveyors & Building Consultants

P: 1300 290 235

W: https://gqs.com.au/ E: info@gqs.com.au

BCRC

Specialist Design Practitioners

P: 02 9131 8018

W: https://bcrc.com.au/ E: sydney@bcrc.com.au

Roscon

Property services & facilities management

P: 1800 767 266

W: https://www.roscon.com.au/ E: info@roscon.com

Solutions in Engineering

Quality Reports On Time, Every Time!

P: 1300 136 036

W: https://www.solutionsinengineering.com/ E: enquiry@solutionsinengineering.com

BIV Reports

Specialist in Strata Compliance Reports

P: 1300 107 280

W: https://www.biv.com.au/ E: biv@biv.com.au

Forte Asset Services

Fire | Electrical | HVAC

P: 1300 920 752

W: https://www.forteassetservices.com.au/ E: info@forteas.com.au

HFM Asset Management Pty Ltd

Leaders in Building Efficiency

P: 1300 021 420

W: https://www.hfmassets.com.au/ E: info@hfmassets.com.au

Independent Inspections

Sinking Fund Forecast, Insurance Valuations, OHS

P: 1300 857 149

W: http://www.iigi.com.au/ E: admin@iigi.com.au

Mabi Services

Valuations, Maintenance Plans, Asbestos

P: 1300 762 295

W: https://www.mabi.com.au/ E: info@mabi.com.au

Quality Building Management

keeping your buildings legally compliant and safe

P: 1300 880 466

W: https://qbm.com.au/ E: sales@qbm.com.au

CORE Consulting Engineers

Delivering 360° engineering solutions for strata

P: 02 8961 3250

W: https://core.engineering/ E: admin@core.engineering

Leary & Partners

Quantity Surveying Services

P: 1800 808 991

W: https://www.leary.com.au/index.php/ E: enquiries@leary.com.au

Leo & Associates Consulting Engineers

Enhancing Structures, Empowering Futures

P: 0452 205 727

W: https://laconsulting.com.au/ E: Leo@laconsulting.com.au

Ostanes Engineering

We Engineer

P: 0411 631 777

W: https://ostanes-engineering.com/ E: info@ostanes-engineering.com

Strata Insurance Solutions

Advice You Can Trust

P: 1300 554 165

W: https://www.stratainsurancesolutions.com.au/ E: info@stratainsurancesolutions.com.au

Whitbread Insurance Brokers

Empower Your Vision

P: 1300 424 627

W: https://www.whitbread.com.au/ E: info@whitbread.com.au

CHU Underwriting Agencies Pty Ltd

Specialist Strata Insurance Underwriting Agency

P: 1800 022 444

W: https://www.chu.com.au/ E: info_nsw@chu.com.au

Flex Insurance

Your Cover Your Choice

P: 1300 201 021

W: https://www.flexinsurance.com.au/ E: info@flexinsurance.com.au

Driscoll Strata Consulting

Knowledge | Experience | Service

P: 0402 342 034

W: https://driscollstrataconsulting.com.au/ E: Enquiries@driscollstrataconsulting.com.au

Body Corporate Brokers

United, Protecting Communities

W: https://bcb.com.au/ E: sarah.johnson@bcb.com.au

Strata Community Insurance

Protection for your strata property. And you. P: 1300 724 678

W: https://www.stratacommunityinsure.com.au/ E: myenquiry@scinsure.com.au

CRM Brokers

The smart insurance choice

P: 1300 880 494

W: https://www.crmbrokers.com.au/strata-insurance/ E: crmstrata@crmbrokers.com.au

Strong Insurance

Fast & efficient strata insurance across Australia

P: 1800 934 099

W: https://www.stronginsurance.com.au/strata-quote E: admin@stronginsurance.com.au

STRATA LAWYERS

Tisher Liner FC Law Pty Ltd

Experts in Owners Corporations Law

P: 03 8600 9314

W: https://tlfc.com.au/expertise/owners-corporation/ E: ocenquiry@tlfc.com.au

Bugden Allen

Australia’s leading strata law experts

P: 02 9199 1055

W: https://www.bagl.com.au/ E: info@bagl.com.au

Grace Lawyers

Know. Act. Resolve.

P: 1300 144 436

W: https://gracelawyers.com.au/ E: enquiries@gracelawyers.com.au

Aitken Partners

Legal Partners for Life

P: 03 8600 6000

W: https://www.aitken.com.au/ E: dandronaco@aitken.com.au

Moray & Agnew Lawyers

Legal strategies and solutions for our clients

P: 03 9600 0877

W: https://www.moray.com.au/ E: melbourne@moray.com.au

Rc & Co Lawyers

Effective. Resourceful. Clear. P: 1300 072 626

W: https://www.rccolawyers.com/ E: mail@rccolawyers.com

STRATA MANAGEMENT

Horizon Strata Management Group

We take the stress out of Strata

P: 03 9687 7788

W: https://horizonstrata.com.au/ E: info@horizonstrata.com.au

Strata Management Consultants

We Help Committees to Change OC Companies

P: 1300 917 848

W: https://www.strataconsultants.com.au/ E: office@strataconsultants.com.au

The Knight

Strong family values & real hands-on experience

P: 03 9509 3144

W: https://www.theknight.com.au/ E: newbusiness@theknight.com.au

Quantum United Management

Creating vibrant and connected communities

P: 61 383 608 800

W: https://www.quantumunited.com.au/ E: info@quantumunited.com.au

SOCM

Owners Corporation Management Melbourne

P: 03 9495 0005

W: https://socm.com.au/ E: info@socm.com.au

Bright & Duggan

Strata Professionals

P: 0299027100

W: https://bright-duggan.com.au/ E: customercare@bright-duggan.com.au

SSKB Strata Managers

A Positive Difference in Strata

P: 07 5504 2000

W: https://sskb.com.au/ E: sskb@sskb.com.au

CLEANING

Clean As You Go

Leaders in Caretaking and Facility Maintenance

P: 1300 525 651

W: http://www.cleanasyougo.com.au/ E: info@cleanasyougo.com.au

1800 AUS JUNK

We get rid of your junk.

P: 1800 287 586

W: https://ausjunk.com.au/ E: info@ausjunk.com.au

FACILITY MANAGEMENT

LUNA

Building and Facilities Manager

P: 1800 00 LUNA (5862)

W: https://www.luna.management/ E: info@luna.management

Rise Facilities

Facilities and Building Management Solved.

W: https://www.risefacilities.com.au/ E: service@risefacilities.com.au

Aligned Property Services (APS)

Redefining Strata Maintenance

P: 03 9063 1179

W: https://www.alignedpropertyservices.com.au/ E: deyon@alignedpropertyservices.com.au

BME Group

Re-Defining the Standards of Building & Facilities

P: 02 8283 7531

W: https://bmegroupbuildingmanagement.com.au/ E: lachlan.hunt@bmegroup.com.au

TRE Management

Building Facilities Management

P: 03 9001 6939

W: https://tremanagement.com.au/ E: info@tremanagement.com.au

ELECTRICAL

Energy On Pty Ltd

Providing utility network solutions

P: 1300 323 263

W: https://www.energyon.com.au/ E: EnergyServices@EnergyOn.com.au

ENM Solutions

Providing Solutions for Embedded Networks

P: 1300 000 366

W: https://www.enmsolutions.com.au/ E: info@ENMSolutions.com.au

ABN Lift Consultants

A team of friendly, open minded professionals

P: 0468 659 100

W: https://www.abnlift.com/ E: andrew@abnlift.com

Innovative Lift Consulting Pty Ltd

Australia’s Vertical Transportation Consultants

P: 0417 784 245

W: https://www.ilcpl.com.au/ E: bfulcher@ilcpl.com.au

The Lift Consultancy

Trusted Specialised Advice

P: 07 5509 0100

W: https://theliftc.com/ E: sidb@theliftc.com

Strategic Lift Solutions

We know Lifts and we make things happen!

P: 0475 353 090

W: https://www.strategicliftsolutions.com.au/ E: lynne@strategicliftsolutions.com.au

Scope Facilities

Committed to provide unmatched facility services.

P: 1300 495 332

W: https://www.scopef.com.au/ E: info@scopef.com.au

Arena Energy Consulting Pty Ltd

Independent Embedded Network Consulting Services

P: 0452 411 247

W: https://www.arenaenergyconsulting.com.au/ E: joseph@arenaenergyconsulting.com.au

Embedded Network Arena

Independent Embedded Network Consulting Services

P: 1300 987 147

W: https://embeddednetworkarena.com.au/ E: info@embeddednetworkarena.com.au

Asset Strata Valuers

Leaders in Strata Property Valuations

P: 1800 679 787

W: https://assetstratavaluers.com.au/ E: workorders@assetstratavaluers.com.au

Adelaide StrataVal

Strata & Community Insurance Valuations

P: 08 7111 2956

W: https://www.strataval.com.au/ E: valuations@strataval.com.au

Delphi Consultants & Valuers

Building Insurance Valuation Services

P: 07 3852 6021

W: https://www.delphiproperty.com.au/insurance-valuation E: info@delphiproperty.com.au

Ensure Group – Property Valuers

Insurance Valuation Experts

P: 03 9088 2032

W: https://www.ensuregroup.com.au/ E: valuations@ensuregroup.com.au

Sovereign Valuations

Valuation Experts for Strata Insurance & Disputes

P: 1300 710 000

W: https://www.sovereignvaluations.com.au/ E: p.ferrier@sovereignvaluations.com.au

AND SECURITY

Focus Building Risk and Compliance

Solving AESMR Problems

P: 1300 FOCUSF

W: https://www.focusbrc.com.au/ E: nathan@focusfs.com.au

RECRUITMENT SERVICES

sharonbennie – Property Recruitment

Matching top talent with incredible businesses

P: 0413 381 381

W: https://www.sharonbennie.com.au/ E: sb@sharonbennie.com.au

Essential Recruitment Solutions

Specialising in Strata recruitment

P: 0448 319 770

W: https://www.essentialrecruitmentsolutions.com.au/ E: maddison@essentialrecruitmentsolutions.com

ACCOUNTANTS

Tinworth & Co

Chartered Accountant & Strata Auditors

P: 0499 025 069

W: https://www.tinworthaccountants.com.au/ E: caren.chen@tinworth.com

Matthew Faulkner Accountancy

Strata Auditing specialists

P: 0438 116 374

W: https://www.mattfaulkner.accountants/ E: matt@mattfaulkner.accountants

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Alpha14 Property Group

Project Management Services

P: 0417 378 331

W: https://alpha14.com.au/

E: projects@alpha14.com.au

& COLLECTION SERVICES

Groundfloor™

Australian parcel, mail, and refrigerated lockers

P: 03 9982 4462

W: https://groundfloordelivery.com/ E: ask@groundfloordelivery.com

ANTENNAS

Install My Antenna

Professional TV Antenna Service For You Today

P: 1300 800 123

W: https://www.installmyantenna.com.au/ E: info@installmyantenna.com.au

CLOTHES LINES

Lifestyle Clotheslines

Clothesline and washing line supplier & installer

P: 1300 798 779

W: https://www.lifestyleclotheslines.com.au/

E: admin@lifestyleclotheslines.com.au

STRATA REPORTS

Strataregister.com Pty Ltd

Find the Strata / CT Manager for your property

P: 0411 483 249

W: https://www.strataregister.com/ E: hello@strataregister.com

Rawlinsons

Calculated Confidence

P: 08 9424 5800

W: https://www.rawlinsonswa.com.au/ E: info@rawlinsonswa.com.au

Diamond Property Inspections

Property Inspections You Can Trust

P: 1300 368 000

W: https://diamondinspections.com.au/ E: orders@diamondinspections.com.au

STRATA LOAN PROFESSIONALS

Lannock Strata Finance

Simplifying strata funding

P: 1300 851 585

W: https://lannock.com.au/ E: strata@lannock.com.au

StrataLoans

The Experts in Strata Finance

P: 1300 785 045

W: https://www.strata-loans.com/ E: info@strata-loans.com

CONSULTING

Strata Solve

Untangling strata problems

P: 0419 805 898

W: https://stratasolve.com.au/ E: chris@stratasolve.com.au

Tender Advisory

Tender Solutions: Consult. Procure. Support.

P: 0435 893 670

W: https://www.tenderadvisory.com.au/ E: info@tenderadvisory.com.au

WINDOWS & GLASS

Clear Edge Frameless Glass

Energy Efficient Balconies for Elevated Living

W: https://www.clearedgeglass.com.au/

E: sales@clearedgeglass.com.au

PAINTING

Higgins Coatings Pty Ltd

Specialist painters in the strata industry

P: 1300 HIGGINS

W: https://www.higgins.com.au/ E: info@higgins.com.au

CPR Facade Upgrade Specialists

We clean, repair & repaint multi-storey buildings

P: 0493 651 643

W: https://cprfacadeupgrades.com.au/ E: info@facadeupgrades.com.au

Expert Painting & Renovation

Fast, Efficient, Quality service

P: 0404 330 332

W: https://expertpaint.com.au/ E: expertpainting73@gmail.com

Strata Mediation Services

Mediation before Litigation

P: 0421 379 603

W: https://www.stratamediationservices.com.au/ E: glenn@stratamediationservices.com.au

Linkfire Pty Ltd

Your essential safety partner

P: 1300 323 263

W: https://www.linkfrire.com.au/ E: sales@linkfire.com.au

Drain Fixers Pipe Relining

Blocked Drains Fixed Forever

P: 1300 663 569

W: https://www.drainfixers.com.au/ E: office@drainfixers.com.au

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION

FRM Flood Restoration Melbourne

Restoration Professionals

P: 0430 124 748

W: https://floodrestorationmelbourne.au/ E: info@floodrestoration.melbourne

AUDITORS

OC Auditors and Accountants

Specialist OC Auditors and Accountants

P: 03 9252 2020

W: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelburhala/ E: michael@mwbaccountants.com.au

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The VIC Strata Magazine | April 2025 by LookUpStrata - Issuu