On Friday, 18 July this year around 370 members of Strata Community Australia (NSW) attended the glamorous 2014 Whitbread Strata Community Awards.
This year, there were nine categories and of most interest was the Strata Owners Community Engagement Award which saw five finalists battle it out for this prestigious honour. The award went to a strata scheme in Botany Road at Waterloo managed by Jamesons strata manager, Paul Culbi. The scheme has 34 lots and a mix of owners and tenants.
Paul was happy to share some of the secrets of the success of this property, which came as a result of finalising a defect claim.
“After so much work, we felt it would be a good thing to enter the award,” Paul said.
“The executive committee of the building are actively creating a well-maintained and smoothly running building. They recognise the importance of communication and engagement and actively seek residents and owners for various sub committees.”
Some of the projects the building has recently completed include:
- Arranging a pick up both for e-waste day
- Community gardening
- Working bee to set up courtyard seating
- Engaged residents in carpet replacement, hallway and door painting with great success
- Installation of energy efficient lighting in common areas
- Installation of new locks on mailboxes to deter thieves
- Education campaign to deter non visitors from using the visitors parking area plus the approval of long-term parking for longer term visitors
- Creation of a Facebook page to mirror the bulletin board
- Tripling of the bike parking facilities
Paul says the projects would never have been completed without the engagement and co-operation of residents and owners. Everyone including tenants are encouraged to get involved in the various projects.
“The processes have been challenging but the key is good, clear communication. Ensuring everyone understands that they collectively are responsible for the common areas has led to people realising they are a community rather than a collection of strangers who happen to live in the same building.”
If you’re thinking of entering the awards next year, Bill Coles, SCA (NSW) Director and one of this year’s judges, said the key thing is to be precise and clear what you are doing to create harmony and better living solution with your residents and building.
“The things that stood out for the judges about this property were the sense of harmony and communication with residents. They created a Facebook page, have a community gardening scheme, and undertake working bees that all promote the ideals of community,” Bill said.
“The other entrants also showed a similar commitment to community by creating better places to live and some had undertaken conversions of unused deteriorated areas.”
The 2015 Awards will open early next year so if your scheme has achieved some terrific things make sure you share it with us and nominate for an award.