One of Strata Community Australia (NSW)’s founders, Muriel Barasso, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the industry during the Australia Day honours announced for 2018.
A very thrilled Muriel said it was a lovely surprise and she was enjoying the attention that comes from such an honour. She also has some words of wisdom for those younger people just entering into their careers in strata.
“The best advice I can give is to be respectful to your colleagues, clients and the many service providers you work with. You need to understand that you’re responsible for people’s businesses and their homes and you need a different attitude to deal with both.”
Muriel helped found the now SCA (NSW) in the late 1970s and served as President from 1984 to 1990.
“Back in the 1970s strata was a small part of real estate but even then you could see that it was a growth area,” Muriel said.
While she loved working in the industry in 2013 she retired but still keeps her hand in by consulting, training and undertaking CPD.
“I enjoy strata, it certainly is a big part of my life,” she said.
One person who knows Muriel well, Bill Coles as only too happy to share his delight at her honour but also a great story.
I have known Muriel for approx. 33 years, she was one of the strata market leaders when I started in the industry, and along with Peter Bryant OAM, taught me a hardworking and honest work ethic, along with an educated and professional approach, will get you far in strata,” Bill recalls.
“My funniest story was when we created the first ever trades and services directory. We did this in Muriel’s old garage office because she had all the data base and latest equipment.
“In this case my job was to “cut and paste” the listings. Muriel sat me down and presented me with the equipment for this task – my tools of trade for this was a tub of Perkins Paste and scissors along with the printed-out sheets of listings that Muriel gave me.”
While strata has come along way since the days in Muriel’s garage office, it’s wonderful to honour the past by recognising those who have contributed greatly to an industry that is thriving today.
From all at Strata Community Australia (NSW), congratulations Muriel. We are very proud of you and your dedication to the strata industry.