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
Leaman
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.
Chris Irons | Strata Solve chris@stratasolve.com.au
We’ll secure the best deal for you.
Why Choose Us?
12+ Years of Proven Strata Brokerage Experience
Nationwide Network of Serious Buyers Ready to Invest
Confidential and Secure Transactions to Protect Your Privacy
Comprehensive Information Memorandum Created to Show Your Business’s Strengths
Our fact-driven valuation process is backed by in-depth calculations and over a decade of industry experience, ensuring you get the best price.
We specialise exclusively in Strata Business Sales. No rent rolls, no distractions – just strata. david@stratabusinessbrokers.com.au www.stratabusinessbrokers.com.au
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.
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.
Phillip Leaman | Tisher Liner FC Law ocenquiry@tlfc.com.au
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.
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
4
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
6
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)
6
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