Recently we showcased the winner of the Strata Owners Community Engagement Award outlining those activities that the owners corporation undertakes to encourage participation and harmony amongst the residents.
Some of the other finalists also had some unique and interesting approaches and so SCA (NSW) has decided to showcase some of them here.
The bottom line for all the schemes is that they are proactive and consultative. The executive committee makes the decisions but all owners are consulted and given an opportunity to hear any new proposals and provide comment.
One executive committee that was described as having a proactive and consultative approach had created a friendly environment by communicating and engaging with residents regularly both face-to-face and via the buildings website. Recently this same group had undertaken a program to review the building’s energy usage and as a result implemented some initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and energy usage bills.
Having an online presence is a key element for harmony with most of the finalists posting regular updates as well as allowing owners to access information about finances, meeting minutes, by-laws, fact sheets and notices. One site also has critical information such as local medical facilities, shopping facilities and emergency contacts for plumbers, electricians etc.
Another characteristic of harmonious communities is that they all undertake regular property maintenance keeping their properties in the best condition possible. After all it’s hard to be cranky if you live in a well-maintained environment.
At times when building or maintenance work has to be undertaken, these schemes consult with and then inform the residents what’s to be done and when. As one strata manager said about the property they manage and nominated, “they make decisions as a community, for the good of all, considering one another and the future of the scheme including any new owners.”
Across all the schemes it also stood out that they all like to socialise and hold events each year. One scheme has a roof terrace where each new year they watch the fireworks together. This is a true reflection of what community is all about.
Living in a strata scheme is often portrayed negatively in the media but there are many examples of people living happily side-by-side in strata and community titled properties. All it takes is communication, engagement, consideration and a willingness to participate in the smooth running of the scheme.