Should committee members be compensated for their valuable contributions?
Page 10 | Moray & Agnew Lawyers
If there’s a leak from upstairs, does the owners corporation get involved?
Page 14 | Tisher Liner FC Law
The same members are on the committee year after year. How do we break this cycle?
Page 30 | The Strata Shepherd
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.
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same members are on the committee year after year. How do we break this cycle? Callum
Planning Major Works What gets you the best return?
Paul Morton, subject expert and founder of Australia’s leading strata lender, Lannock Strata Finance, shares some insights into how to approach your decision-making for major works projects.
How do you decide which major works project is most appropriate? What are the available sources of funds, and how do you make the best choice? Is the cheapest quote the best quote? How does tax affect your decisions?
These are just some of the questions to ask when considering major works. But before we consider your major works, let’s look at a range of reasons you might need to invest in common property works:
• Legal duty to “repair and maintain”
• Risk to maintaining insurance cover if property is not maintained
• Occupational Health and Safety considerations
• Reducing legal liability from accidents And reasons you may want to invest in works:
• Return on Investment (ROI) – Increased asset value or increased occupancy rates
• Personal satisfaction (e.g. is this a place I want to live in)
Value in Major Works Projects – Price, Quality and Time
We all know the idea of the Project Management Triangle, where achieving equilibrium between speed, cost and quality is impossible. But strata is more complex because everyone will have a different idea of what “value” is. What is important to you? Is it functionality? Is it aesthetics? It is important to consider that you may not just wish to replace something that needs replacing, but to also improve it and to improve the return on your overall investment.
All of this sits alongside the core decision-making matrix for price, quality and time. What if some Body Corporate members value price, others value time and the rest value quality? If not everyone agrees with the decisionmaking priorities, then you may find the Body Corporate is not aligned on what they value. Getting agreement is extremely hard, so in our experience, it is important to work out the agreed objectives at the very beginning.
In the Body Corporate, it’s important to have a shared understanding of how you’re looking at ROI. Are you all considering it in post-tax dollars? Or are some Body Corporate members looking at ROI in pre-tax dollars? Taxes can make a big difference to net returns. To avoid misunderstandings and to ensure everyone’s on the same page about the project’s value, it’s best to calculate ROI in post-tax dollars. This way, you’re all comparing apples to apples.
Fast, Good, Cheap
Increasingly we see first-hand the problems caused by the pursuit of “any product at the cheapest price”, particularly with the cladding and defects problems across the country. In some cases, different Governments have stepped in to assist, but it all comes back onto the owner.
You get what you pay for in terms of price, quality and time. Almost everyone focuses on price – and why not! But you don’t want cheap and nasty (truth is, you can’t actually afford that in the long run), you need to think about value for money. This is where Lannock’s experience becomes useful. It is not just about cost and expense.
I think we need to replace the words “expense” or “cost” with the word “investment”. Whether you are fixing some pavers, replacing your cladding, or putting a penthouse on top, restoring value lost or creating value, you are investing in your property. This helps you to start seeing the opportunity of a return on your investment.
What else do you need to consider in terms of getting the best value? Should you manage the project yourself/ yourselves? Now, this is a tricky part of the decisionmaking, which has huge potential or unexpected implications – often in cost, time and quality.
Potential project managers are Body Corporate members, members with special interests, your strata manager or a third-party project manager. The challenges of selfmanagement include accountability, resource allocation, legal liability, skill requirements and role clarity.
We often see a lack of good project management which can mean more problems. Understandably, the Body Corporate often feel they can save money, depending on the situation and the Body Corporate, but what if something goes wrong? There is also a legal liability to be considered. And the human impact of stress should not be underestimated, particularly for owners living “on-site” in the property.
Whatever you do, we recommend you don’t delay your decision when it comes to major works, as delays add significantly to the cost.
Financial Solutions for Major Works
Lannock Strata Finance provides flexible funding solutions to alleviate the financial burden on strata communities. These options allow for works to be carried out immediately, avoiding the risk of further damage caused by delay, whilst smoothing the cost impost on owners of having to fund the full costs of repair upfront.
Understanding the challenges of the work you need to be done and the financial solutions offered by Lannock to help you achieve this is essential for individual owners and strata communities.
We can tailor a flexible funding facility to suit your project-specific needs.
Josh Klemm
Business Development Manager Victoria P 0400 006 988
E joshua@lannock.com.au W lannock.com.au
With Lannock Strata Finance, you will have a dedicated relationship manager through all stages of this decisionmaking process and through the project.
Is the owner responsible for the damage if an unauthorised e-bike causes a fire?
If a battery fire causes damage to common property or other lots from an authorised or unauthorised e-bike, e-scooter or e-skateboard, is the owner liable for the damage?
Whether it’s unauthorised or not or banned within a bylaw, it’s going to be covered under the policy unless there’s a specific exclusion.
I haven’t seen or encountered a specific exclusion in a policy related to e-scooters, e-bikes, or batteries. If there’s a claim, at this stage, it’s covered. It’s an unforeseen and fortuitous loss without any exclusions in the policy.
Whether it’s unauthorised or not or banned within a bylaw, it’s going to be covered under the policy unless there’s a specific exclusion.
Sean
Callan | Sedgwick
sean.Callan@sedgwick.com
Should committee
members be compensated for their valuable contributions?
Our small committee goes above and beyond for our old, large estate. Can we offer them compensation for their commitment to the community?
Our large estate is over 20 years old and now requires a lot of maintenance and repairs for extensive common grounds. Once, we had a committee of 10. This is now a committee of just three people. They go above and beyond and devote a lot of their personal time, care and effort.
The cost of $120k to hire a manager for the estate would increase residents fees. Is it possible to rewarded/compensated the committee members for their ongoing services? Can we remove their need to pay OC fees? What is the usual process for committee member compensation?
We can all agree that committee members play a pivotal role in owners corporations, dedicating an immense amount of their time to the betterment of their community. Should these committee members be compensated for their valuable contributions?
Section 117(1) of the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic) (Act) outlines the duties of a committee member. They are mandated to act honestly and in good faith, exercise due care and diligence, and prioritise the best interests of the owners corporation. Notably, the Act remains silent on the issue of compensating committee members.
However, several factors cast doubt on the feasibility of compensating committee members within the framework of their roles. Section 117(2) explicitly prohibits committee members from leveraging their positions for personal gain, strongly implying a voluntary nature of their service. Furthermore, potential payments could face legal hurdles if they fail to meet the requirements of sections 23, 23A and 24 of the Act. We also note that the waiving of validly struck levies may result in an owners corporation finding itself in the unenviable position of requiring the remaining lot owners to make additional payments to cover any shortfall in funds. Finally, the absence of a provision explicitly permitting compensation for committee members in the Act hints at the lack of legislative intent in this regard.
In addition, whilst the question does not make clear whether the estate has a registered owners corporation manager appointed, section 119(2) of the Act stipulates that only registered managers can receive a fee or reward for carrying out the functions of a manager, reinforcing the notion that committee roles are fundamentally voluntary and distinguishing them from positions that carry the potential for financial remuneration.
The absence of a provision explicitly permitting compensation for committee members in the Act hints at the lack of legislative intent.
While owners corporations may wish to reward their committees, various legal nuances and the voluntary nature of their roles pose significant challenges to implementing such arrangements.
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Can we claim partial lost rent from the strata insurance?
If we had a partial loss of rent due to water damage, can we file a claim with the strata insurance to recoup the partially lost rent?
Due to recent water damage in our unit, we’ve experienced a partial loss of rent associated with a common property leak. As the damage only affected one bedroom, we had to reduce the rent because of the loss of amenity. Unfortunately, our insurance doesn’t cover a partial loss of income. Could we file a claim with the owners corporation to recoup the lost rent?
This process determines whether the owners corporation’s actions, or lack thereof, directly contributed to the damage, thereby establishing their liability.
A lot owner has the right to submit a legal demand to the owners corporation if they suspect the owners corporation’s negligence, such as failing to maintain common property, has led to damage, e.g., a leak originating from common areas. In response to such a demand, the owners corporation can pursue a claim under the public liability section of their insurance policy. The decision to accept or deny this claim will then rest with the insurer, who will evaluate the circumstances against legal principles of negligence. This process determines whether the owners corporation’s actions, or lack thereof, directly contributed to the damage, thereby establishing their liability.
To submit a demand, the lot owner must prepare a letter to the owners corporation. This letter should include:
• The date and specifics of the incident causing the loss.
• An explanation of why the lot owner deems the owners corporation liable or negligent.
• A detailed summary of the costs incurred, supported by invoices, rental ledgers, or other relevant documentation.
• Instructions on where the compensation should be paid.
In this particular instance, before proceeding with a demand against the owners corporation, the lot owner should revisit the property damage claim first. Specifically, the owner should query the insurer regarding the partial coverage decision, emphasising the impact of partial occupancy associated
with rental loss. Insurance policies often cover scenarios of partial loss of use, so it’s possible that further discussion or clarification of the policy terms could lead to a more favourable outcome regarding loss of rent coverage.
If there’s a leak from upstairs, does the owners corporation get involved?
If a water leak from one unit causes water to flow through the floor into the ceiling of the downstairs unit, does the owners corporation get involved in arranging the repair or is that up to that lot owner?
Initially, it’s prudent for the owners corporation to seek expert advice to ensure common property is not the cause or that common property is not being affected.
If you’re the unit owner downstairs, your first action should be to advise the owners corporation or the strata manager of what has occurred.
The owners corporation does not need to get involved in matters that are disputes between lot owners for water ingress. It is up to the lot owner downstairs to make a complaint directly with their upstairs neighbour to get the matter rectified. However, it is prudent for the owners corporation to seek expert advice to ensure common property is not the cause or is not otherwise being affected if it is unclear. Water ingress going between floors can affect the slab between lots (by affecting the steel reinforcement which causes rust/concrete cancer). If the slab is common property then the owners corporation has a duty to ensure that it is not damaged and to take action if it is.
If the slab is private lot property and the water ingress is a defect from private lot property only then the owners corporation need not get involved.
It is important that the owners corporation consider the source of the leak and the impact of that leak.
If the owners corporation says, “It’s not our problem. It’s private lot property,” the owners corporation needs to be careful if years later someone engages an expert and finds out that it is actually common property that is defective and letting water through. This may mean that someone has not been able to rent out their property for two years and has a massive loss of rent claim against the owners corporation. The owners corporation would have saved themselves a lot of money if they had investigated initially and determined the true source of the water ingress. It also allows the owners corporation to make an assessment on the likely damage (if any) to common property that lies between the two private lots.
Otherwise, if it’s definitely private lot property, the strata manager really does not need to get involved. The owners corporation does have powers under section 48 of the Owners Corporations Act to deal with lots not properly managed in some situations. However, that power should be used carefully and usually only when there is a risk to common property. The power of the owners corporation to undertake repairs for a failure to comply with a section 48 notice can lead to other problems particularly if the works do not resolve the issue. Water ingress rectification can be a complicated and prolonged process. It can take many attempts at fixing water ingress issues before the water is stopped. An owners corporation taking over what is effectively a private lot matter can expose the owners corporation to substantial costs being incurred which they are left to seek from the defaulting lot owner.
Phillip Leaman | Tisher Liner FC Law ocenquiry@tlfc.com.au
Liner FC Law provides quality and cost effective legal services to Owners Corporations and their Managers across Victoria and the ACT
Our highly experienced team provide quality assistance to owners corporations, committees, lot owners and managers of owners corporations in a wide variety of legal matters including:
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.
• General advice and governance;
• Interpretation of plans of subdivision, common and private lot boundaries;
• Levy recovery;
• Domestical building dispute claims and Water Act claims;
• Adverse possession and compulsory acquisitions;
• Easement and amendments to plans of subdivisions;
• Creation and enforcement of owners corporation rules;
• Preparing leases and licences over common property;
• Advice on repairs and maintenance and application of the Benefit Principle; and
• Prosecuting and defending claims made at VCAT by Owners Corporations and Lot owners
Phillip Leaman
How do we reactivate our inactive owners corporation?
I want to reactivate our inactive owners corporation for our three townhouses. Where do I start? I don’t know the other owners’ details.
I own a townhouse in a subdivision containing three townhouses plus common property. I want to reactivate the owners corporation. I don’t know the property owner details of the other two townhouses. Are there any professionals who can assist?
A three lot property must have an active owners corporation to comply with the legislation.
Reactivating your owners corporation is a great idea. A three lot property must have an active owners corporation to be compliant with the legislation.
With an owners corporation in place, you will ensure the common property is maintained, adequate insurance is in place, required documentation is issued (for example, an Owners Corporation Certificate upon sale of the lot) and much more. The easiest way to do this would be to appoint a professional owners corporation manager to assist you in managing these requirements.
If you are unaware of who owns the neighbouring lots, a title search can be conducted to get their details.
The best starting point would be to reach out to any professional owners corporation management company. They will be able to assist you with locating the neighbouring lot details and getting your owners corporation running.
Alex Smale | Melbourne Owners Corporation Services alex@mocs.com.au
Can the owners corporation prevent owners from making a claim?
Can the owners corporation structure the strata insurance so a lot owner cannot claim under the policy? Is this a viable way for owners corporations to manage the claims history and the adverse impacts of claims unrelated to common property?
Someone who pays for insurance and is an insured party has a right to make a claim on that policy.
A lot owner is an insured party to the policy. They contribute to their building’s insurance and have an insurable interest in the property.
When you buy a strata property, you purchase the claims history of the building. This is simply one of the things that you can’t avoid. The only way to prevent this is to not own in strata.
It’s crucial to understand that someone who pays for insurance and is an insured party has a right to make a claim on that policy. However, the owners corporation also has a role to play. They can negotiate specific excesses, such as in the case of water damage issues, where they can request voluntary higher excesses. Alternatively, they can recommend owners take action to maintain their property to reduce those claims.
How can I be sold an apartment when the developer must know it has significant heat issues due to its design?
I bought a North facing apartment. Over Summer, the temperature of the window on a 29 degree day (with double blinds closed) measured 45 degrees.
The developer chose not to install awnings, and I had to cite the sustainability changes in the Act before the owners corporation approved my request for thermal film.
Can I force the owners corporation to fix the heat issue in
my apartment?
External awnings aren’t something the owners corporation is interested in. Nor will they do a heat audit of the building.
I’m roasting, resentful I need to pay for the film, and worried for my neighbours. Can I ask the owners corporation to pay for thermal film and install the film on all North facing units?
How can I be sold an apartment when the developer must know it has such significant heat issues due to its design?
Who has ownership over the windows?
There are several things to consider when approaching this issue. The first is who has ownership over the windows? Depending on your plan of subdivision, it may either be private or common property or could be shared.
Second, is whether this issue is shared amongst your neighbours as you have noted in your question. I’d encourage you to reach out to them or raise it at the next Annual General Meeting. This will assist you in demonstrating that it is a shared issue which should be addressed by the owners corporation. If the owners corporation is unwilling to assist, and you wish to pursue the matter, I’d encourage you to seek legal advice from an owners corporation specialist lawyer. They may recommend you engage a building specialist to advise on whether the issue is a defect that can be pursued.
We note additionally that if you have purchased a new property (under 10 years old), you can raise the issue with the builder of the property and ask them to address it as a defect. Should they refuse, you may need to engage a building specialist to prove the issue is a defect.
Alex Smale | Melbourne Owners Corporation Services alex@mocs.com.au
Can owners block access to the common property?
Residents can only access the common property by entering lot owners’ backyards in our old subdivision. Can owners block access to the common property for privacy and security, or should they provide reasonable access?
The Act has several provisions for accessing private lots.
The Owners Corporations Act 2006 has several provisions that provide for accessing private lots to undertake repairs, maintenance or other works relating to common property and shared services. These are sections 46, 47, 50 and 51
Section 46 requires an owners corporation to repair and maintain common property. Section 47 requires an owners corporation to repair and maintain services that relate to a lot that is for the benefit of more than one lot and the common property. Services noted in these sections of the Act are defined in the Subdivision Act 1988 – 12 (2).
Access to a private lot is covered under sections 50 and 51. Provision exists where the owners corporation may authorise a person to enter a lot or building on its behalf to carry out repairs, maintenance, or other works in accordance with sections 47(1), 47(2) or 48(3) – the latter not necessarily relating to your question. A notice must be given to the occupier of a lot with the intention to enter, and at a minimum, must provide 7 days –unless agreed otherwise or in the event of an emergency. It is presumed that at this point, an agreement can be arranged to provide access at a mutual time between parties.
This is a summary of the process, which is available through the Owners Corporations Act, however, there are some other considerations required before proceeding under these sections. I recommend familiarising yourself with these sections to fully understand what must occur in order to access common property via a private lot.
If the above is unsuccessful, unfortunately, the owners corporation may then need to apply to VCAT seeking an order to provide access.
Joel Chamberlain | Horizon Strata Management Group joel.chamberlain@horizonstrata.com.au
READ MORE HERE
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.
Strata managers, proxies and conflicts of interest
Is it a conflict of interest for the owners corporation manager to vote as a proxy?
Can a strata manager vote as a proxy at an AGM or SGM? As the manager is paid by the owners corporation, isn’t this a conflict of interest or an ethical issue? It’s possible that votes could be stacked to favour an outcome for the committee or vice versa?
When appointed as a proxy, strata managers should only vote on matters if they have clear, written instructions to do so by the lot owner.
A strata manager who is appointed proxy for a lot can vote at general meetings on any matters other than those set out in Section 89C(7) of the Owners Corporations Act 2006. These provisions prevent the manager from voting on matters that could result in them obtaining greater power and/or influence their appointment as manager of the OC.
It is not unusual for owners to appoint the strata manager as their proxy, particularly if they are not overly involved with the governance of the OC and/or are happy with how things are going.
My view is that strata managers, when appointed as a proxy, should not vote on any matter whatsoever unless they have been given clear, written instructions to do so by the lot owner. This may be the best (or only) solution to mitigate the risk of a conflict of interest and/or unethical conduct on the strata manager’s behalf.
Callum Wilson | The Strata Shepherd info@thestratashepherd.com.au
READ MORE HERE
The strata management expert guiding owners corporations towards better outcomes. SERVICES
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Every year, tens of thousands of strata management contracts are signed in Victoria, with millions of apartment owners putting their trust in strata management companies to manage their valuable assets
Owners corporations often find it difficult to elicit change when their strata manager isn’t meeting their expectations, which is why we have developed a range of services to help them hold their strata manager accountable for their performance
By rewarding compliant and highperforming strata managers, consumers will be better protected and overall service standards in the industry will improve
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CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
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Should we use a quantity surveyor or certified practising valuer for our insurance valuation?
Who should conduct our insurance valuation: A quantity surveyor or certified practising valuer?
Quantity surveyors and certified practising valuers can perform insurance valuations. Ensure they are engaged to provide a reinstatement and replacement valuation.
Both quantity surveyors and certified practising valuers can conduct insurance valuations, and it’s important to recognise each profession’s value. The act does specify that a valuer should be used, and the industry predominantly relies on certified practising valuers for these tasks. However, some firms may employ quantity surveyors instead. It’s essential not to discount either profession, as both can competently perform the required work.
When engaging a professional for an insurance valuation, the primary focus should be on ensuring that the scope of work is clearly defined and aligned with the requirements of the Owners Corporation Act 2006 and its subsequent amendments.
This means requesting a valuation specifically for reinstatement and replacement costs rather than a market value or real estate report, which could lead to confusion.
The term “valuation” can be broad, encompassing retail value, market value, construction value, and more. For insurance purposes, the correct terminology should be “reinstatement and replacement valuation.” Misunderstandings often arise because owners may expect the valuation to reflect market value, leading to discrepancies when the report focuses solely on the cost to rebuild or replace the property.
Certified practising valuers are traditionally viewed as the standard for this type of work, given their specific training and experience in property valuation. On the other hand, quantity surveyors bring a detailed understanding of construction costs, which can be equally valuable in preparing accurate insurance valuations. This is why it’s not uncommon to find both professionals involved in the industry, and many firms use a combination of both to provide comprehensive services.
To avoid confusion and ensure compliance with legislative requirements, it is recommended that owners corporations engage certified practising valuers or quantity surveyors with clear instructions on the specific type of valuation needed. This approach ensures that the valuation will meet the necessary standards and be compliant with the Owners Corporation Act.
In summary, while quantity surveyors and certified practising valuers can perform insurance valuations, the key is ensuring they are engaged to provide a reinstatement and replacement valuation. Clear communication and understanding of the scope of work are crucial to obtaining an accurate and compliant valuation report.
Investigations into building wide issues like leaks from flexi hoses
After a major leak in the building, the OC requests owners have their flexi hoses inspected, or the OC will inspect them and carry out necessary repairs. Is this reasonable?
An apartment in our building had a major leak, causing significant damage to other lots. An insurance claim was lodged to cover the damage. The owners corporation (OC) now wants individual owners to arrange a plumber inspection of their flexi hoses, or they will arrange the inspection and complete any required work.
Although this involves entering owner’s lots, the action significantly mitigates the risk of a major leak happening again. Preventative steps prove to our insurance underwriters that appropriate maintenance is being undertaken on individual lots and will hopefully reduce premium increases. Is the OC permitted to request this maintenance?
An owners corporation may undertake an investigation of lot property if there are building wide issues if it wants to be sure that common property is not defective.
An owners corporation has a statutory duty to repair and maintain common property. It has no obligation to repair and maintain private lot property. Notwithstanding, the Owners Corporations Act gives an OC the power to issue notices to lot owners in circumstances where private lot property is not maintained and the external appearance or enjoyment of common property or other lots is affected.
An owners corporation may undertake investigations in respect to private lot property if there are building wide issues if it wants to be sure that common property is not defective.
An owners corporation can only mandate a private lot owner do something by way of repair or maintenance to private lot property in accordance with Section 48 of the Owners Corporations Act 2006.
Costs of works or investigations undertaken by an owners corporation might be charged according to lot liability or otherwise on the benefit principle if one of the relevant sections of the Act applies (for example, Section 49 or 24).
Phillip Leaman | Tisher Liner FC Law ocenquiry@tlfc.com.au
READ MORE HERE
The same members are on the committee year after year.
How do we break this cycle?
Current committee members block owners from joining. The same members are on the committee year after year. How do we break this cycle?
If someone self-nominates for the committee at the AGM, is it valid for that nomination to be seconded from the floor? Unfortunately, some committee members continually block owners from joining even though our committee is under 12 members.
The same members are on the committee year after year. The committee requests nominations be submitted two months in advance so they can strategise how to prevent members from joining. How do we break this cycle?
The only way to get onto the committee is by the sheer weight of votes.
Committee nominations from the floor are completely valid. You cannot be excluded from nominating just because you haven’t completed a nomination form. The exception to this will be if there has been an OC resolution in the past specifying that committee nominations must be made in a particular way (i.e. via submission of nomination forms). However, such resolutions are rare.
It sounds like the only way to get yourself onto the committee is to rely on the sheer weight of votes. Even if your nomination is accepted at the meeting, the existing committee members could use their voting power to adjust the agreed number of committee members to exclude you. Try to gather support before the meeting (either through proxies or getting other owners ‘on your side’ to attend) so your faction can outvote the other when it comes to determining committee numbers and members.
Callum
Wilson | The Strata Shepherd info@thestratashepherd.com.au
About OCN
Owners Corporation Network is a not-for-profit organisation established by strata owners to help navigate strata living, from social and organisational challenges to financial and legal issues.
OCN defines a ‘Better Future’ as being ‘one where we have resilient, empowered communities living in climate ready, defect free buildings’.
Our Mission
To represent, educate and protect the interests and rights of owners and occupiers of residential strata, community title and company title schemes
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Benefits of your Strata Manager being an SCA Member
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 managed well.
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 Conduct which entails obligations in regard to trasparency and ethical behaviour.
Continuous Learning: SCA members are required to participate in a minium 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 created by the SCA. These include guidelines on best practices and templates for different tasks.
Upcoming Training & Events
Strata Challenges in Ageing High-Rise Buildings Roundtable Discussion
Date: 30 August 2024, 9:30am - 11:30am
Cost: $99 members
$198 non-members
Location: Melbourne, CBD
CPD: 2
The session is specifically designed for strata managers to ask their questions to the panel and generate a valuable discussion. Panelists: Nicole Mathews, Solution Sales Manager (Origin Energy), Alan Ferre, Director (Scotia), Gino Marinaro, Senior Owners Corporation Manager (Melcorp), VJ Chhagan, General Manager (SOCM), Kingsley Osmond, Director (Mabi Services).
Register: https://www.trybooking.com/CSVKW
A100 August
Date: 15, 22, 29 August, 9:30am - 3:30pm each day
Cost: $695 incl. GST
*Ticket enrolls attendee for all 3 days
Location: CHU Office, Level 21, 150 Lonsdale Street
Join us for this immersive in-person experience, designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the strata industry over three engaging days.
Register : https://www.trybooking.com/CPRSB
Preparing for Performance Reviews: For Strata Managers
Date: 12 September 2024, 10:00am - 11:00am
Cost: $70 members
$140 non-members
Location: Online via Zoom
CPD: 1
Understand the performance management process and key steps for regular reviews.
Presenters: Lorraine Murray, State Manager (Victoria Body Corporate Services), Nathan Keating, Managing Director (Focus Building Risk and Compliance), Rebecca Ower, Regional HR Manager (Programmed)
Register : https://www.trybooking.com/CSVMI
Strata Management and Financial Planning Roundtable Discussion
Date: 18 September 2024, 9:30am - 11:30am
Cost: $99 members
$198 non-members
Location: TBC
CPD: 2
A collaborative conversation with top industry experts.
Panelists: Tim MacKenzie, National Head of Strata (Macquarie Group), Gregor Evans, Managing Director (The Knight), Ben Commerford, Managing Director (Binks & Associates)
Register : https://www.trybooking.com/CSVMZ
Dates: 9 & 10 October 2024
CPD: 3 per day
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
The biggest event for the strata management industry in Victoria, offering learning and networking opportunities. Expect insightful keynote addresses and engaging panel discussions.
Save the Date!
Conducting Performance Reviews: A Guide for Senior Strata Managers
Date: 23 October 2024, 10:00am - 11:00am
Cost: $70 members
$140 non-members
Location: Online via Zoom
CPD: 1
Master performance reviews with expert insights from industry leaders. Presenters: Lorraine Murray, State Manager (Victoria Body Corporate Services), Nathan Keating, Managing Director (Focus Building Risk and Compliance), Rebecca Ower, Regional HR Manager (Programmed).
Register : https://www.trybooking.com/CSVOG
After Hours Maintenance & Urgent Repairs in Strata Management
Date: 8 November 2024, 10:00am - 11:00am
Cost: $70 members
$140 non-members
Location: Online via Zoom
CPD: 1
Enhance your strata management skills with expert urgent repair solutions.
Presenter: Rob Corelli, General Manager (Tymaline Building Services).
Register : https://www.trybooking.com/CSVOQ
In-Person Roundtable Discussion: The OC Act
Date: 15 November 2024, 9:30am - 11:30am
Cost: $99 members
$198 non-members
Location: TBC
CPD: 2
Explore The OC Act complexities with industry experts. Panelists: Fabienne Loncar, Partner (Moray &Agnew), VJ Chhagan, General Manager (SOCM), Richard Eastwood, General Manager (Cambridge Management Services).
Register: https://www.trybooking.com/CSVPL
SCA (Vic) Awards Night 2024
Date: 29 November 2024
Time: 6:30pm – 11:30pm
Venue: San Remo Ballroom, Carlton North Cost: TBC
Nominations Open: TBC
Join us for the 2024 SCA (Vic) Strata Community Pillar Awards! Celebrate excellence with a Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation, recognising outstanding businesses and individuals in the strata industry.
Save the date!
Strata Assistant vs. Manager: Mastering the Balancing Act
Date: 12 December 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: $70 members
$140 non-members
Location: Online via Zoom
CPD: 1
Clarify Strata Assistant and Manager duties and transition between roles effectively.
Presenter: Emma Fairbrother, Senior Owners Corporation Manager (Tideways)
Register : https://www.trybooking.com/CSVQI
Committee Training for Committee MembersFREE TRAINING!
Date/Time: 25th September, 5:30pm-8:30pm
This course focuses on good governance and how it helps strata committees achieve compliance with strata legislation and meet expectations of the stakeholders. Whether you are taking up the responsibilities of a committee member for the first time or you are an experienced committee member, there is always something you can do to improve your knowledge and the governance of your strata community.
