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Strata Living Guides

Selecting and Working With Your Strata Manager

Topics: 
executive committee
governance
strata managers

This material has been prepared partly funded from the NSW Office of Fair Trading.

Updated in 2019 by Reena Van Aalst, Strata Central. 

This topic continually receives enthusiastic responses in the Owners Corporation Network of Australia’s interaction with its members and the public. There is a big thirst for detailed information that can help individuals in their procurement, interactions and issues with their key service providers.

Strata Committees and How They Should Function

Topics: 
executive committee
governance

Originally Prepared by Sally Wiljesundera in 2011, supported by the NSW Office of Fair Trading, this is a living document

Strata schemes can range from 2 low rise lots to 100’s of high rise lots with commercial premises, to retirement villages, offices and caravan parks. We will be mainly focusing on medium to large residential strata buildings in this overview. For ease and simplicity many of the examples and legislation used are from NSW. However, many similarities exist between States.

Noise in Strata Buildings

Topics: 
acoustics
bylaws
noise

This material has been prepared partly funded from the NSW Office of Fair Trading

Noise problems are not just the bane of apartment living. Noise is the fastest growing area of complaint and disputes in urban Australia. Most detached housing neighbourly complaints are in about unwanted noise. However, apartment living can exacerbate the impact and intrusiveness of any neighbourly. As well there maybe noise from the common property aspects of the building itself, pipe, water, or buildings services.  So what can you do other than wear earplugs? (which is not such a silly solution in some circumstances).

This article will firstly look at common noise problems in a strata complex. Then explain the basics of noise and its transfer. From there we will cover testing, compliance, solving and enforcement options.

What Members Say

"The whole strata community owes a huge debt of gratitude to you and the OCN executive. Much appreciated."

Robert, Darlinghurst

"I am very pleased with my membership of OCN, the discussions through sharing emails is very valuable in increasing my knowledge of strata living, the laws and EC responsibilities. I think I am better armed to tread the minefield of the managing agent responsibilities and the necessary action of the EC to monitor the contradictory interests of the agent."

Jim, Wollstonecraft

"I so appreciate being part of the OCN email forum. It provides a great opportunity for sharing ideas and learning"

Ingrid, Neutral Bay

"I must say that I have enjoyed and found consolation in the discussions that have been part of the email chain (forum). I did attend one general meeting and found that it was informative and the people "running the show" were knowledgeable and dedicated to the tasks that had taken on. In short, well done. You and the committee have and continue to support the Strata Community in a very professional manner."

Greg, Parramatta

"Nothing is easy in Strata World and we have been in building defects “mode” for some years – hopefully almost at an end but that process has been most demanding and difficult but again – greatly helped by the experience and wise counsel of other members of OCN."

Pat, St Leonards

"Keep up the good work, as many (if not most) strata schemes need your help, advice and representation at all levels of government."

Jann and John, St Ives

"I belong to OCN because of its professionalism.  I have found the meetings I have been to extremely well presented, to the point, and of course very topical and informative. Speakers on the whole certainly know their topic.  My role of Secretary last year was certainly assisted with the coverage regarding TPG & other subjects. Member newsletters are also of benefit as the topics are specific to strata matters."

Graham, East Balmain

I have enjoyed attending the quarterly OCN meetings and the exchange of emails between other Executive Committee Members and think OCN is playing an increasingly important role as a voice for strata dwellers and representing us at Government level. I wish the organisation continuing success in the future."

Pauline, Kings Cross

"The [forum] response to my question was amazing and really useful.  The OCN community is wonderful so thanks."

Jenny, Killara

"I would like to thank you all for the important effort that you are all putting in to look after apartment owners and tenants. It is so valuable and you are heroes. I would not have been able to deal with my duties as a strata chairman without your advice and assistance." 

Angela, Mascot

"The OCN is invaluable – many thanks."

Bill, Surry Hills

"OCN is proving invaluable"

Sue, Neutral Bay

"Thanks to all at OCN for your continuing efforts to keep us up to date with current strata information and advice...it has been very helpful to us"

Kate, Coogee

"When my wife & I first encountered a problematic Executive Committee I heard that OCN was a great help (from a Strata manager whom I knew) so we both joined and have gratefully used the on-line information sources. We continued to happily rely on OCN’s assistance when we progressed to Committee status & later as Chair & Secretary of our Committee. I still use OCN in my current role as Treasurer."

Peter, Chiswick

"Thanks to OCN for being such a rich resource of trustworthy information about strata matters."

Peter, Chiswick

"I wanted to extend my personal thanks for the very informative & interesting event today. The OCN team did an outstanding job in the organisation of this event & I enjoyed it thoroughly. The quality of speakers, the flow of conversation & interaction from the attendees - first class …& of course, the amazing Jimmy T - always a delight."

Sue, Epping

"OCN does a great job in providing a really valuable service to Strata owners."

Lois, Wollongong

"I am sure my appreciation of your good works is echoed by many in the Stratasphere. Keep up the good work."

John, Elizabeth Bay

"The OCN is probably one of the best, most informed and most informative groups I have been involved with."

Alan, Maryville

"Once again, being able to discuss such things through this forum, helps clear the mind, puts things into perspective and helps one to understand their rights and to form a strategy if needs be. As a simple EC member trying to do what is in the best interests of lot owners, I truly value OCN and am grateful."

Pamela, Point Lookout