How Compliance Builds Trust in Strata Painting Projects

For Strata Managers, balancing timelines, budgets and committee expectations is complex enough without needing to worry about whether contractors are operating safely or meeting compliance standards. That’s why compliance isn’t just a legal requirement but rather a trust-building tool.

Compliance is more than paperwork. It’s an end-to-end approach that ensures transparency, protects stakeholders and delivers consistently high-quality results across every strata building. Here’s how a compliance-first mindset helps Strata Managers breathe easier.

Proactive WHS Planning from Day One

You should begin every project with a site-specific Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management Plan, complete with risk assessments, control measures, SWMS and emergency procedures. This not only satisfies insurance and legal requirements but gives committees and residents the confidence that safety is front and centre.

 

Height Access Expertise Without the Headache

From rope access and abseiling to EWPs and boom lifts, painters should be certified and experienced in a full range of height access methods. This eliminates the need for bulky scaffolding, reduces costs and minimises disruption, all while maintaining complete compliance with working-at-height legislation.

 

Real-Time Supervision and Auditing

What does Supervision look like on each site and who’s auditing that things are being done as per requirements? By doing this, it provides Strata Managers clear communication and ensures any concerns are addressed before they escalate. It’s about being responsive, accountable and easy to work with.

 

Independent Technical Support Where Needed

For complex sites or particularly engaged committees, you can engage an external painting consultant. Their role? Provide third-party assurance, keep everyone informed and reduce the burden on managers to mediate technical issues.

 

Fully Documented and Insured

Ensure your painter supplies all the required documentation up front, from licenses and public liability insurance to maintenance guides and warranties. That way, Strata Managers aren’t left chasing compliance info when it’s audit time.

 

Trust is Earned Through Process

Professionalism isn’t just about the final coat, it’s about the process that gets you there. That’s why compliance needs to be every part of the way things operate.

 

Whether it’s a full repaint, touch-up program or heritage facade restoration, Premier Painting brings the structure, reliability and transparency that Strata Managers need. For more details, get in touch with Premier Painting today: www.premierpainting.com.au

Premier Painting is a leader in painting services since 1997 with the experience and qualifications to manage complete end to end painting and maintenance services for Strata Owners. Award winning and accredited, our services are highly regarded for Strata Projects of all scopes.

Result Property Group is NOT Result Strata Management Pty Ltd

SCA (NSW), the peak body for strata management in New South Wales, wishes to clearly and unequivocally state that Result Property Group is an entirely separate and independent business and has no affiliation whatsoever with the recently disqualified company Result Strata Management Pty Ltd.

SCA (NSW), the peak body for strata management in New South Wales, wishes to clearly and unequivocally state that Result Property Group is an entirely separate and independent business and has no affiliation whatsoever with the recently disqualified company Result Strata Management Pty Ltd.

Following the cancellation of the licences of Result Strata Management Pty Ltd and its General Manager, Michael Lee, by NSW Fair Trading, we are aware that confusion has arisen due to the similarity in business names. This confusion has unfortunately led to incorrect associations being made between the two entities.

“To be absolutely clear: Result Property Group is not connected in any way to Result Strata Management Pty Ltd or Michael Lee.” 

To be absolutely clear:
Result Property Group is not connected in any way to Result Strata Management Pty Ltd or Michael Lee.

Result Property Group has been a longstanding and reputable member of SCA (NSW) for over 13 years. We strongly encourage members of the strata community to help correct any misinformation and direct concerned parties to this announcement.

For consumers and strata schemes affected by the actions of Result Strata Management Pty Ltd, please note that Grant Thornton has been appointed by NSW Fair Trading to manage the company’s affairs during this process.

Grant Thornton’s representative Phillip Campbell-Wilson is the principal point of contact for owners and residents and may be contacted on (02) 8297 2501 or by email at resultstrata@au.gt.com.

Stunning footage of historic Clock Tower Makeover – 115 Years in the Making!

Take two 146 kg, double-laminated glass clock faces, a towering structure, live tram wires, a horologist, and 115 years of heritage — and you’ve got one of the most impressive glass replacement videos you’ll ever

In an extraordinary feat of coordination and craftsmanship, the iconic Dimmeys Clock Tower in Richmond, Melbourne has received a long-awaited facelift. With trams rattling by and curious onlookers below (as only in Melbourne), the team from Express Glass carefully craned in two 2.23-metre diameter clock faces — each weighing 146 kg — breathing new life into the historic structure.

Express Glass project manager led the ambitious operation, orchestrating a multi-skilled team of glaziers, electricians, a horologist, a heritage consultant, a signwriter, a crane operator, and even a specialist glass-cutting team from Hobart. The result? A remarkable restoration that blends modern precision with timeless legacy.

“When we engaged Express Glass, we had to think about who could tackle a job this complex and big. The fact that we went to them in the first place is obviously a testament to their great work.” – Tal Shara, Managing Director of Tideways.

Read the full article here – Dimmeys Clock Tower Project

Building your Mental Health Fitness

In late February’s webinar, we diverted from a flurry of regulatory webinars that kick-started 2025 and focused on to focus on a topic that affects many in our industry: mental health.

Belinda Elworthy, CEO of Gotcha4life, joined SCA (NSW) director Edwina Feilion and Matt Byrne from Express Glass, who are proud supporters of Gotcha4life and SCA (NSW), to discuss the tools for building emotional muscles, which are essential to helping us cope with life’s ups and downs.

Did you brush your teeth today?

Healthy dental habits are drilled into us from an early age, forming a daily habit. We know the outcomes of this and the repercussions of not doing it.

Belinda spoke about the need for a similar approach to your mental health and normalising building your mental fitness. Strengthening those invisible emotional muscles with some attention and effort, and help us cope with life’s ups and downs.

 

“50% of us will suffer a significant mental health challenge in our life time”

 

Belinda focused on the three, evidence-based, protective factors that are effective in building out mental fitness:

  1. Don’t worry alone
  2. Embrace your village
  3. Build your emotional Muscles
  • Don’t worry alone – a problem shared is a problem half-solved
    • Ask yourself. ‘What’s a worry you’ve been holding onto that you could share with a trusted friend?’
    • Help-Seeking Behaviour
      • Share with a trusted friend
    • Many people don’t reach out for help because:
      • The perceived stigma of speaking out and asking for help
      • The idea that I should be able to figure this out by myself
      • Seeking support is a lack of strength
  • Embrace your village
    • Social Connectedness
    • Reaching out to your village – your go-to people
    • Build and maintain meaningful relationships
    • Step you can do today. Think about the people who are in your village
      • Connect with them on a deeper level in the next week
  • Build your emotional muscles
    • Emotional Adaptability
      • Ability to understand and navigate your emotions in real life
      • The what, the why and the how of your feelings
      • Recognising your emotions, what triggers them, how they show up in your body and how to respond.

 

Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Gym

Finding time and resources to start your mental fitness journey may seem daunting. That’s why Gotcha4Life built the Mental Fitness Gym.

The Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Gym offers practical resources to enable and inspire individuals on their journey to build their mental fitness and wellness. Free to join, the online platform will extend the reach of our tools and resources to more people, in every part of the country. Simple exercises which can be integrated into anyone’s daily routine to form new habits, such as:

  • 10 Mental Fitness Moments: Videos delivered by some familiar faces including Layne Beachley, Neal Whitaker, Maggie Dent and Hugh Mackay AO to name a few with different exercises to boost your mental fitness in 5 minutes or less.  
  • 7 Days of Connection Mental Fitness Workout: Delivered to your inbox/smartphone every day to inspire and remind you to take action.
  • Mental Fitness Check In: Understand your mental fitness areas of strength and opportunities within minutes.  

To Download the Mental Gym, head to the Gotcha4life website – Home – Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Gym

For SCA (NSW) members, you can rewatch the webinar through your SCA (NSW) Education Centre – SCA (NSW) Education Centre

In an industry of inundation, SCA (NSW) encourages all of its members to take some time out of their day, download the app and start strengthening those emotional muscles.

Gotcha4life

Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to building a mentally fit future. We develop and deliver preventative mental fitness campaigns, workshops, programs and resources in schools, sports clubs, workplaces and communities Australia-wide. Gotcha4Life was established by media personality Gus Worland in 2017.

Link: www.gotcha4life.org

Express Glass

For almost 40 years we’ve been getting things Done. Starting as a Sydney family business they’re now Australia’s leading emergency glass repairer.  We’re Australian owned, proud glaziers with diverse skills, a national footprint and put exceptional customer service at the centre of everything we do.

At Express Glass, we are a national company with local expertise, employing and partnering with the best qualified and experienced glaziers Australia-wide. From large-scale projects to glass repairs, our team will ensure that your job is DONE. Meet some of the team members behind Express Glass across Australia.

Link: www.expressglass.com.au

Why abseiling is the smart choice for your strata building

For strata managers, maintaining a building’s exterior is a never ending task that requires efficient planning and execution. Traditional methods such as scaffolding and elevated work platforms (EWPs) often come with high costs, extended timeframes as well as the painful inconvenience for residents.

Rope access, commonly known as abseiling, is a practical and cost-effective alternative for multi-storey and high-rise buildings. Here’s how it streamlines key maintenance services like painting, general upkeep, window cleaning and anchor point certification.

Exterior Painting

 

A well-maintained façade is essential for both a building’s appearance and structural durability. Rope access allows painters to reach all sections of the exterior with care, eliminating the need for cumbersome scaffolding or expensive lifting equipment. This technique reduces setup time, minimises disruption and ensures a professional finish in all the tough to reach places. Whether it’s a complete repaint or minor touch-ups, abseiling provides an efficient and high-quality painting solution.

 

Routine Building Maintenance

 

Regular maintenance is key to preventing expensive repairs whilst prolonging a building’s lifespan. Simple procedures such as soft washing or pressure cleaning can remove accumulated contaminants like salt residue and traffic pollution. Additionally, abseilers can easily inspect and repair issues such as cracked surfaces, water leaks, deteriorating sealants, or damaged façade elements. With the bonus of minimal disruptions to residents, rope access experts provide a proactive approach to maintenance, helping strata managers address concerns before they become major problems.

 

High-Rise Window Cleaning

 

Keeping windows clean not only enhances a building’s aesthetic appeal but also maximises natural light for residents and tenants. Rope access is one of the safest and most effective methods for high-rise window cleaning, eliminating the need for disruptive machinery or heavy scaffolding. Using specialised equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, abseiling professionals ensure a streak-free, polished look that keeps your building looking fresh all year round.

Anchor Point Testing & Certification

 

Let’s not forget safety. Ensuring compliance with safety regulations is crucial for any strata building, and annual anchor point certification is legally required in Australia. Rope access technicians can inspect, test and certify anchor points, ensuring all height safety systems meet the necessary standards. Regular certification not only keeps buildings compliant but also guarantees the safety of workers performing maintenance, painting and cleaning tasks at heights.

For strata managers seeking a reliable and efficient way to maintain their buildings, abseiling provides a versatile solution with minimal impact on residents and budgets. Whether it’s painting, maintenance, window cleaning or safety compliance, rope access specialists deliver high-quality results every time.

For more details on how rope access can benefit your strata building, get in touch with Premier Painting today. www.premierpainting.com.au

Premier Painting is a leader in painting services since 1997 with the experience and qualifications to manage complete end to end painting and maintenance services for Strata Owners. Award winning and accredited, our services are highly regarded for Strata Projects of all scopes.

New Support for Cyclone Alfred Victims in NSW and QLD

In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, many people in NSW are facing severe power outages and financial hardships. The good news is that both the state and federal governments are offering financial support to help those affected get back on their feet. If you’ve been impacted by the cyclone, here’s a breakdown of the recovery payments and assistance available. 

Disaster Recovery Allowance 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the Australian government is providing one-off Centrelink payments to help people who’ve been severely impacted by the cyclone. These payments are available for adults and children in affected areas, including those who have been injured, lost a loved one or had their home damaged by the cyclone. The payments are: 

  • $1,000 for adults 
  • $400 for children 

 

If the cyclone has left you unable to work, you can also apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance. This provides financial support for up to 13 weeks to help cover your living expenses while you recover. Whether you’ve lost your job or are unable to return to work due to injury or property damage, this payment is designed to help you through the next few months. 

These payments will be available starting 2:00 PM AEDT on Tuesday March 11. To apply, you can visit myGov, where you can check if you’re eligible and submit your application. 

Community Recovery Support Fund 

In addition to individual support, both the state and federal governments have created the $15 million Community Recovery Support Fund to help councils restore important community services. This fund will help repair and reopen community centres, preschools, libraries and other local facilities that were damaged by the cyclone.  

 

Additional Help 

Along with the Centrelink payments, there are a couple of other ways you can access help: 

  • NAB Disaster Relief Grants for Customers of NAB who’ve been affected by the cyclone can apply for a $1,000 disaster relief grant to help cover immediate costs and aid recovery. 

 

If you’ve been impacted by Cyclone Alfred, it’s important to stay informed about the recovery support available to you. Whether through Centrelink payments, local grants or assistance from your bank, there is help to support your recovery. Be sure to apply for the financial aid that’s available and reach out if you need assistance. 

Cyclone Alfred – Northern NSW Emergency Contacts

With Cyclone Alfred, a category two storm, forecasted to make landfall on Thursday night or Friday morning, we understand many of our members in Northern NSW are in preparation mode. To assist you, SCA (NSW) has compiled a list of emergency contact information to help you stay safe. 

Emergency Contacts

  • Life-Threatening Emergencies
    • 000 – Police, Fire, Ambulance (from landlines)

 

 

 

 

When disaster strikes, you should familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers, stay connected to your council’s emergency dashboard and download the NSW SES app to receive real-time updates. 

Always follow the guidance of the NSW SES to ensure you’re ready for any emergency that may come your way. 

Stay safe and remember, preparation is key! 

NSW Government Announces $25 Million Solar Initiative for Apartment Buildings

The Albanese Government has announced a $25 million initiative designed to reduce energy costs for apartment residents in NSW. The Solar for Apartment Residents program offers financial support to install shared rooftop solar systems, providing cost relief and environmental benefits to apartment residents. 

Program Overview 

Eligibility 

Owners corporations or strata managers of apartment buildings with 3 to 55 units that have not installed solar systems within the past 10 years. 

Funding Allocation 

The program provides up to 50% of the installation costs, capped at $150,000 per project. 

Application Dates 

Open until December 1 2025 or until the $25 million funding pool is fully allocated. 

Projected Savings 

Apartment residents could save up to $600 annually on energy costs. 

Key Benefits 

1. Cost-of-living relief 

Apartment residents can save up to $600 each year on their energy bills with the program. Using solar energy helps lower electricity costs, reducing the need for expensive power from the grid and offering long-term savings for residents. 

 

2. Boost to Sustainability 

Switching to solar energy cuts down on carbon emissions, making apartment buildings more environmentally friendly. This initiative contributes to a cleaner, greener environment and supports efforts to reduce NSW’s reliance on fossil fuels. 

 

3.Financial Assistance for Installation 

The program covers up to 50% of the installation costs for solar systems, with a maximum of $150,000 per project. This financial support reduces the upfront cost, making solar energy a more affordable option for apartment buildings looking to make the switch. 

 

Steps to Participate 

1. Check the Program Overview table above to see if your apartment building meets the program’s criteria, including whether it has 3-55 units and whether you have installed solar within the last 10 years. 

 

2. Work with the owners corporation to evaluate the feasibility of installing shared rooftop solar systems and prepare the necessary documents. 

 

3. Submit your application through the NSW Government website here. Applications for the Solar for Apartment Residents program are open until December 1 2025 or until funds are fully allocated. Act now to seize this opportunity to improve sustainability and lower energy costs. 

SCA (NSW) releases update on investigation

With the release today of the McGrathNicol Report into Netstrata, the SCA (NSW) Board of Directors acknowledge that members will have questions over the actions that are being taken by SCA (NSW) following the ABC reporting in 2024.

Graham Gorrie was engaged by SCA (NSW) to undertake an independent investigation of Netstrata. That investigation was voluntary by Netstrata and it resulted in a number of recommendations for improvement being made to Netstrata.

Based on this report, SCA has strengthened the Code of Ethics and engaged an independent consultancy group to undertake an ethics and conflicts review at the national level.

Where to from here?

The recommendations of the independent investigation carried out by SCA (NSW) apply to the broader strata industry.

They have been sent to the Professional Standards Authority (PSA), who govern our Professional Standards Scheme (PSS).

We have been discussing components of these recommendations with Fair Trading intensively.

SCA members will have access to the recommendations for review, which have been provided to the external firm conducting our ongoing ethics and conflicts review.

SCA (NSW) has approved the engagement of an independent business auditor to support our members in reviewing their current strata management business practices.

The Board will be reviewing the McGrathNicol report recommendations over the coming week.

Please be assured that the SCA (NSW) Board of Directors understands the significance of the ABC reporting and the Fair Trading investigation. While increased accountability and transparency are ultimately positive outcomes, we recognise that the on-the-ground experience of our members is essential in guiding our decisions. We are fully aware of the difficulties members have faced, and we are committed to addressing them. 

The SCA (NSW) Board is committed to upholding the Code of Ethics and its equal application to all members. We appreciate your patience as we complete due diligence as part of the process of improved transparency and communication.

SCA (NSW) strongly condemns actions of Parramatta licensee in charge

The PEAK body for Strata Management in NSW, SCA (NSW), has strongly condemned the recent actions of former managing agent, real estate agent and licensee in charge, Maree Kylie Lane, who plead guilty to pocketing more than 1.4 million from strata trust accounts between October 2017 and November 2018. 

 SCA (NSW) President Robert Anderson stated:

“At the core of successful strata living is trust between the Strata Managing Agent and the Owners Corporation. Misappropriation of funds not only breaches legal and fiduciary obligations but also erodes the trust that owners place in their managing agents.”

“Overwhelmingly, strata managers and their businesses serve their strata communities and committees incredibly effectively, and it is exceedingly disappointing to see the actions of that individual.”

SCA (NSW) remains committed to working with NSW Fair Trading and our members to prevent breeches of trust like this from happening. Strata committees and lot owners are encouraged to check the financial statements of their particular scheme regularly.

Both Maree Kylie and the company she was working for at the time of offending and now are not members of SCA (NSW).

For more information or to report any concerns regarding strata management practices, please contact SCA (NSW) at (02) 9492 8200, or lodge a formal complaint here – Complaint Management – Strata Community Association (NSW).

Please see the NSW Fair Trading statement here.

Please see the NSW Fair Trading statement here.

Update Who’s Responsible Guide released

It is safe to say that across the great state of NSW, barely a minute goes by without someone pondering the great strata conundrum – is it the Owners Corp’s responsibility, or is it the Owner’s?

Thankfully, for the past 15 years, SCA (NSW) has been helping those stuck in the strata conundrum vortex with our Who’s Responsible Guide – a guide to common property and who’s responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of items in NSW Strata living.

The free-to-use guide has proven to be a ‘must-have’ resource for anyone working, living or just generally interested in strata, and to kick off 2025, we’ve just launched an updated version of the Guide.

The Guide can be found here Who’s Responsible Guide?

Guide Image

The guide is broken into key areas of a strata scheme – from a lot’s bathroom through to courtyards, details specific items (tiles, pavers etc.) and who is responsible for those items.

We encourage our members to link to this guide across their channels. If you currently link to this guide from your website, emails, comms, etc., make sure you update the link to the above address.

Final Stage of Fire Reforms Pushed out to 2026 & 2027🔥

The Building Commission NSW has announced an important update regarding the implementation of fire safety reforms that were initially slated to take effect in February 2025.

The final stages of these reforms, which include the mandatory frequency of fire safety servicing and the requirement for accredited practitioners to sign off on fire safety certificates, have now been deferred.

These changes, which impact building owners, strata managers, developers, and the fire safety industry, will now be phased in over the next two years, with key requirements expected to come into effect in 13 February 2026 and February 2027.

The reforms were introduced through the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 and were designed to reduce fire safety risks, minimise property damage, and lower the incidence of fire safety defects in both new and existing buildings. 

Key Changes to Fire Safety Reforms 

  • Defer by 12 months the mandatory requirement to comply with Australian Standard(AS) 1851 to 13 February 2026, which mandates the frequency of fire safety servicing and maintenance. 
  • Defer by 24 months the requirements that a fire safety certificate can only be issued if an assessment has been done by an accredited practitioner (fire safety) to 13 February 2027. 

 

Two Additional Changes 

Enable mechanisms so that a Fire Safety Schedule can reflect work resulting from compliance action taken by Building Commission NSW.

  • This amendment aligns with the Building Commission NSW’s process with how Building Work Rectification Orders (BWROs), Undertakings and the EPA (DCFS) Regulation are issued. It will allow a new Fire Safety Schedule (FSS) to be amended or issued following the completion of a BWRO or undertaking where the BWRO and undertaking had required changes to fire safety measures. Currently, this process is already in place when a Fire Safety Order is issued for a property.
  •  An FSS specifies each of the existing and proposed fire safety measures that apply to the building. The measures specified in the fire safety schedule will vary for each building and can include both essential and critical fire safety measures. This provision is expected to commence on 13 February 2025.

 

Include housekeeping amendments aimed at correcting drafting errors, removing inconsistencies and clarifying ambiguities.

  • The reforms also include housekeeping amendments that address drafting errors, inconsistencies, and ambiguities in the existing regulations. These amendments are designed to improve the overall clarity of the regulations. These provisions are also set to commence on 13 February 2025.