Lot Owners Forum at NSW Strata Conference

This year the NSW Strata Conference (being held by Strata Community Australia (NSW) - formerly the Institute of Strata Title Management) includes a Lot Owners Forum.

It’s being held on Saturday, 8 October 2011 from 9.30am at the Southee Pavilion at Sydney Showground, Olympic Park, Homebush Bay.

This year the Forum grows from a half to a full day event including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and entry to the trade exhibition.  The presentations cover Executive Committee Politics, Meetings, CTTT Cases, Defects and Renovations.

You can register here.

So, if you’re a lot owner or committee member, why not join everyone else in a few Saturday’s time?

Francesco …

NSW Strata Convention 2011

Strata Community Australia (NSW) is holding it’s annual strata conference next month.

This year it’s called ‘Strive for Strata Excellence’ and will be held from Thursday, 6 October to Saturday, 8 October 2011 at Sydney Olympic Park.  SCA NSW says it’s the education and social highlight for the industry each year with speakers from business and industry on optimising your business performance, maximising growth opportunities, increasing client satisfaction and embracing the community.

You can find out more and register here.  And, there’s also sponsorship opportunities.

See you at Olympic Park in October.

Francesco …

Griffith Uni Gets 250 Aussie Strata Thinkers Together

Strata stakeholders get together pretty often (at meetings, seminars, forums, etc) but when they come from all over Australia, covering every stakeholder group to talk and think about the future (and not what happened in the past) it’s worth paying attention.

Well, last week, 250 strata people are doing just that at the Griffith University Strata & Community Title in Australia 2011 Conference in Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Attendees covered owners, committees, managers, developers, government, lawyers, accountants, financiers, insurers, contractors and more.  There were even some international attendees.

And they heard from 70 presenters and discussed policy, practice, development, conflict, legal and economic issues affecting the strata title sector in Australia.  You can find out more about the Conference here.

I’ll post about some of the more intriguing presentations over the next month in case you missed it.

Francesco ….

Strata Policy Makers go to the Forum

It's often hard to find the government people in charge of strata title.  And, even harder to find out what they think.

But today, Griffith University is hosting the Strata Title Policy Makers' Forum as the prelude to its strata title conference on the Queensland Gold Coast.

And the Forum is a unique opportunity for us to hear government thinking on strata title issues.  

With an agenda developed in consultation with government representatives in New South Wales, Northern Territories, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, the objective of the Forum is to facilitate the exchange of ideas concerning challenges, initiatives and mechanisms relating to the development and delivery of strata title government policy. 

Professor Guilding says 'The Forum’s program has been formulated in a spirit of facilitating information dissemination and also laying the basis for constructive debate and discussion that can instigate insights pertaining to the challenge of enlightened strata title policy making'.

It's great to see government participating in this exercise and I'm looking forward to hearing what they've got to say and how it might affect strata stakeholders.

Francesco ...

Canadian Strata Conference in November

The Canadian Condominium Institute was formed in Toronto in 1982 and represents over 115,000 condominium units.  And, it’s holding its annual conference called Living in Balance on 4 and 5 November 2011 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

There’s a great conference program with three streams of presentations covering legal, technical, practical and environmental matters affecting strata corporations.  You can see the full program here.

Early bird registration for $295 closes at the end of September.  So, why not register and attend?

Francesco …

South African Strata Indaba

In South Africa an Indaba is an important conference held by the izinDuna (principal men) of the Zulu and Xhosa peoples of South Africa.  And, it’s no different for strata managers since they’ve just held their first ever national strata title Indaba.

The National Association of Managing Agents of South Africa is the peak body for sectional title managers (as they’re called) and has been working over the last 10 years to advance strata title matters in South Africa.

So, on 6 and 7 May 2011 in Johannesburg over 150 South African and 2 Australians got together to share knowledge and discuss important issues.

Presentation at the Indaba included –

• Dr Gerhard Jooste with an introduction and overview
• Joseph Maluleke about the new Community Schemes Ombud Service
• Mike Addison with an insurance workshop
• Clive Ashpol about the operation of the EAAB as the regulatory body
• Tertius Maree with a workshop on management matters
• A discussion panel of Professor Cornie Van der Merwe, Jan Thladi, Joseph Maluleke ad Kwezi Ngwenya about the new sectional title laws
• Professor Cornie Van der Merwe about sectional titles around the world
• Marina Constas with a legal workshop
• Justin Mason about section 46 administrators
• Me presenting about the first 50 years of strata title in Australia

All the presentations were excellent and highlighted the common and special challenges of strata title operations and management in South Africa. They reminded me again about how similar things are everywhere in the world.

You can see my presentation 50 Years of Australian Strata Titles at my website.

For my part it was a pleasure and an honour to be involved in the Indaba and I learned a bit more (again) about strata title matters.

Francesco … 

OCN Trains more Committee Members

In 2010 the Owners Corporation Network ran two committee members training days in Sydney and this year they’re at it again.

On 7 May and 28 May 2011 the OCN ran and is running training session for NSW committee members.

The next session is at the Kirribilli Club (11 Harbourview Crescent, Lavender Bay) between 9.30am and 4.00pm on Saturday, 28 May 2011.  It’s $60 for non-members and $45 for OCN members (which includes morning and afternoon teas and light lunch).  And, since the maximum number of participants for each workshop is 80, register now at the OCN website.

The OCN is a peak organization for strata title buildings, strata corporations, committee members and owners in NSW; representing their interests with government, other groups and the media.

See you at another OCN training session soon.

Francesco …

Strata Managers Round Up in the Wild West

Last weekend Western Australian strata managers got together in Perth for the Strata Titles Institute of Western Australia's  Bi-Annual Conference at the Joondalup Resort.

Over 3 days more than 150 people enjoyed some golf, a cocktail function and Gala dinner, presentations on emotional intelligence and handling conflict, by-laws, lot boundaries, lift modernisation, future insurance challenges, embedded electricity networks, business benchmarking, a panel discussion about the roles of surveyors, valuers and lawyers and keynote presentations by Colleen Egan (a Walkley Award winning journalist) and Patria Jafferies (Co Founder of Dome Coffee).

I'm told by those who attended it was a great few days and well worth the trip.


You can find out more about STIWA here.

Francesco …

Excellence in NSW Strata Rewarded

It’s important to remember that amidst the daily grind of working and doing the things that are needed by strata corporations there many people doing excellent work.

So, they need to be recognised for their efforts and praised for their successes.

And, that’s what the NSW Institute of Strata Title Management are doing (again) next month.

On 17 June, the 2011 Schindler Strata Industry Awards for Excellence Dinner is being held at Doltone House at Jones Bay Wharf.

On the night awards will be given to winners in categories for -

• Small Business of the Year
• Large Business of the Year
• Professional Commitment to Ethics & 
• Service Award
• Business Person of the Year
• Strata Manager of the Year
• Young Strata Manager of the Year
• Education Award

So, get out your tuxedos and ball gowns and come along to see the NSW strata winners shine.

Francesco …

Here in Noosa there’s plenty of Good Strata

The Queensland Sunshine Coast is well known for long and lonely beaches, great resorts, boating waters and sunshine.  It’s heavenly.

And from a real estate perspective, the Sunshine Coast is also strata heaven.

In the Sunshine Coast Noosa Heads is the centre of all that (sunshine and strata) activity and since I’m here for the CTIQ 2011 Conference I thought I’d highlight some strata features.

Firstly, there’s a lot of high density buildings that are used for residential, commercial and tourist purposes.  In Hastings Street (the main street of Noosa Heads) there’s over 70 medium and highrise buildings in less than 900 metres.

Here’s a link to an interactive geo map of the region showing buildings of over 3 storeys … and there’s more like this.

Secondly, there’s a lot of strata managers.  The local phone directory lists over ## strata managers in the area.

Thirdly, the local council (the Sunshine Coast Council) supports medium and high density real estate development.  They have developed sophisticated planning models and processes that, when viewed, facilitate high quality development (see their website page on planning controls).

Fourthly, everyone here is a supporter of strata title, medium and high density real estate.  They see it as one of the things that have improved the region and their lives.

It’s nice to see such universal support for strata and higher density living and such good outcomes.

I recommend everyone come to Noosa Heads and see what can be achieved with good medium and high density real estate development.

Francesco ….

Would You Pay for Dinner with a Strata Lawyer?

I could start this blog with a  few jokes about lawyers, but I won’t (after all I need to keep it short).

But, maybe we’re all wrong about the popularity of lawyers.  At least in Strataland.

You see, in Toronto, Canada, the Canadian Condominium Institute is organising Networking Dinners for condominium board members with a legal twist. At each dinner table, board members will be joined by a strata lawyer and throughout the evening the lawyers will switch tables so attendees will be able to pose questions to a variety of the top condo lawyers in Toronto.

The next one is being held on Wednesday, 30 March from 6:30 pm at Novotel North York Hotel.  It costs $40 for CCI Members and $55 for Non-Members (plus HST).  And, you can register with CCI here.

So, if you’re interested (or bored), why not have dinner with a few strata lawyers?

Francesco …

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day & We’re in Strata Clover

It’s Saint Patrick’s Day today.  A day when Leprechauns and everyone else goes green, looks for shamrocks and enjoys themselves in traditional Irish ways.

Saint Patrick's Day is actually a religious holiday celebrating the patron saint of Ireland who lived between AD 387 and AD461.  It became an official Irish feast day in the 17th century and is now a secular celebration of Irish culture all over the world.

But, what’s this got to do with strata?  More than you might expect.

Firstly, Ireland has strata title and strata titles laws.  (I know it's a pretty weak connection)

Secondly, Ireland (like New South Wales) developed some of the first strata title laws in the world in the early 1960's.  So, it's a pioneer.

Thirdly, Irish strata laws are about to have some major changes introduced at the end of the month.  So, watch out for my blog on that soon.

And, fourthly, I've heard rumours that Leprechauns live in medium density flats in the inner city areas of Dublin.

So wear the green today and I hope you find a four leafed clover.

Francesco …

All the Australian Strata Lawyers in One Place

Later this week all the leading Australian strata lawyers will be in Sydney.

Why?  Because the Australia College of Community Association Lawyers is holding its 6^th Annual Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Sydney.

The Australia College of Community Association Lawyers is a non-profit group established in 2006 to bring together lawyers specialising in strata & community title law in Australia. Today is has over 80 members from around the country and participates in the national debate on important strata issues.

This year’s Annual Conference runs on 10 and 11 March and features presentations covering -

• Management Rights – what works and doesn’t
• Solutions for Justice – in strata disputes
• Impacts of the Unfair Contracts Act – in high density real estate
• Community Title Laws – overviewed for NSW
• Case Updates - for NSW, Queensland, Victora and Western Australia
• Lot Entitlements – compared around Australia
• Developers Fiduciary Obligations – where the law is heading

ACCAL is another great organisation that’s improving things in strata.  

And, their conference is one of the more academic gatherings in Australian strata.  

So why not attend?  

You can contact the ACCAL General Manager, Nina Psaltis, to find out more and to book on 617 3848 2328 or at ninap@bigpond.net.au.

See you amongst the lawyers later this week.

Francesco  …

Strata Conferencing in Queensland

Why go to Queensland and just enjoy the weather when you can also conference with strata professionals?

I’ve blogged about the Community Titles Institute of Queensland before.  One of the great things they do is run a conference each year focusing on important strata matters.

This year the CTIQ 2011 Conference Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow – Generations of Strata is being held between 6 and 8 April 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel Noosa.

The programme includes presentations by and about –

Tom Berger - The incredible perceptionist that will turn your vision of the world upside down

Michael Matusik - Gain some insight into Australia’s current and future property market

David Cummins - A look at some amazing new international trends in strata that will blow you away

Kriss Will - Drowning in communication? Learn how to manage email, and your time, more effectively

Diversity in Strata - Looking at the changing face of the strata industry and the importance of cultivating cultural competence in the workplace 


The History of the Strata Industry - What have we come through to get where we are today? 


Q & A: With the Body Corporate Commissioner’s Office

You can find out more about the Conference and register here.

So see you in sunny Queensland talking strata soon.

Francesco …

South African Strata Safari

South Africa is well known for many things.


But I'll bet you didn't realise that it's also a place with a lot of strata titled buildings and, therefore, a lot of strata title issues.  So, it's probably also a surprise to learn that the National Association of Managing Agents is holding its first ever Strata Conference in May 2011.


South Africa, is very comparable to Australia in relation to it's strata laws, legal systems, building and lot numbers, etc.  But it also different in enough ways to provide interesting and helpful comparisons.


So, on 6 and 7 May 2011 their conference, Indaba 2011, is being held in Johannesburg.  You can find out more about the Conference and register here.


So, why not travel to the wilds of South Africa to learn more about strata title done the South African way?  I'm a definite starter.

See you on my Strata Safari in May.




Francesco ...

Another Australian Strata Conference

Later this year in Queensland's Gold Coast, leading strata thinkers will get together again for 3 days to explore some of the more challenging issues facing their sector.


That's because Griffith University is hosting their 4th Strata and Community Title in Australia for the 21st Century 2011 Conference at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa between 7-9 September 2011.


Like their Conferences in 2005, 2007 and 2009, this year there will be many presentations, debates and forums covering topics like -

• A SWOT analysis of strata titling 50 years after its inception in Australia
• Strata title complex design: 3 case studies examining what should have been done differently
• Building a better partnership between the executive committee and the strata manager
• Strategies for local authorities better performing their strata title gate-keeping role
• How well is legislation keeping up with evolving owner needs?
• Are purchasers sufficiently protected in the strata title unit sale process?
• An examination of government run strata title mediation and dispute resolution
• When does a Long Term Service, Utility or Management Contract work well?
• Law reform round-up
• Law, Power and Practice in Multi-Owned housing: The International Experience
• Banks and strata titling: activities, impacts and evolving opportunities
• Strata title complex disaster management
• Strata title in the next 50 years: problem solutions and towards an action plan

You can find out more, get the program and register at the Conference website.

If you're interested in strata make sure you're at this conference.  I will be.

See you in Queensland in September.

Francesco ...

Won’t you be my Strata Valentine?

It’s Valentine’s Day … so won’t you be my strata Valentine today?

Valentine’s Day is a day when people express their love for each other by presenting flowers (usually roses), confectionary and sending greeting cards with imagery of heart shaped outlines, doves and cupid figures.

So, on this day of love my dearest strata here are some of my sentiments about you.

• You are my special strata friend I love you from the core of my heart, and I'll always keep you near
• Be mine strata forever
• My darling strata, you bring joy to my life
• You remain my strata world, happiness and joy. Always be my valentine
• You are the only strata I want to be with for the rest of my life and grow old with
• You brighten my day with the sound of your strata voice, you bring so much laughter and love, you are everything strata to me and I was so blessed when you came to me

It’s corny I know.  But like so many of you … I love strata !!!

Francesco … 

The ISTM Presidential Awards

The ISTM President awards those who contribute to the advancement of strata title and the ISTM.  Usually awarded each year, the recipients are well known to the sector and have worked hard over a long time to make it a better sector.

In 2010 there was no ISTM President’s Awards but previous recipients include the following people.

Presidents Award Winners

2010 - Not awarded

2009 - Richard Holloway

2008 - Bill Coles

2007 - John Edwards

2006 - Robert Anderson

2005 - Rod James & Tony Maxwell

2004 - Maria Linders

2003 - Wally Patterson

2002 - Bob Browne

Well done ISTM, its President for recognising outstanding efforts

and to all the last 10 year’s recipients.

Francesco ….

New Years Strata Resolutions

There are many traditions for New Years Eve around the world.

Some of my favourites include –

• In South America, where "Ano Viejo" is celebrated by creating a fake person or dummy (completely dressed and stuffed with old newspapers and firecrackers) and at midnight each family lights the dummy on fire. 
• In Greece, where St. Basil fills the children's shoes with presents at midnight.
• In Denmark where it is a good sign to find your door littered with a pile of broken dishes at New Years and old dishes are saved all year to throw them at the homes where their friends live on New Year's Eve.
• And, in Nepal there is a four day parade during the New Year celebration.

But, the most famous western tradition is to make New Years resolutions promising to be better and/or to do better things.

So, what kind of New Years resolutions would a strata scheme make since they don’t need to lose weight or quit smoking?

Here’s a few ideas …

• To catch up on unfinished business like delayed owners works approvals.
• To resolve those long running disputes between the scheme and owners in a fair and balanced way.
• To make sure all outstanding or overdue certifications, lodgement and compliance forms are completed and lodged.
• To chase up the outstanding levies and get the strata schemes cashflow in order.
• To pay all those overdue accounts.
• To get all the tings in the common property that need repair fixed.
• To make a proper assessment of what long term works are needed and what it will take to fund them.
• To update owners on what’s really happening in the strata scheme.
• To get the AGM held on time (finally).
• To get a new and better (choose the service provider you’re unhappy with)

So, let’s make some New Year Strata resolutions and make them happen in 2011.

Francesco …

Boxing Day & the Strata Sales Begin

What the hell is Boxing Day for ?


My research suggests that no-one knows but a few theories include -

• It is named after Mr Boxing, a golden gloves winner in his teens who later turned politician and who tragically died in a horse and carriage accident
• It is based on a tradition of giving money and other gifts to those who were needy and in service positions usually in boxes
• It is based on traditional practice of placing metal boxes outside churches to collect special offerings tied to the Feast of Saint Stephen
• It is based on a nineteenth-century Victorian custom for tradesmen to collect their "Christmas boxes" or gifts on the day after Christmas in return for good and reliable service throughout the year
• It is based on an old English tradition that in exchange for ensuring that wealthy landowners' Christmases ran smoothly, their servants were allowed to take the 26th off to visit their families. The employers gave each servant a box containing gifts and bonuses (and sometimes leftover food)
• It is based on the practice, from the 1800s, when churches opened their alms boxes (boxes where people place monetary donations) and distributed the contents to the poor

These days it's about shopping with sales starting early in the morning and crowds pushing at the shopfront to get in and grab a bargain.


So what strata bargains are shoppers looking for this year ?

• They could probably find some recycled by-laws for sale cheaply by a few law firms
• There's more than a few strata managers offering low management fees (or to beat the competition) to get appointed
• A builder or two might offer you a quick settlement on your defects if you're prepared to bargain hard and take a discount
• What about shopping around for the cheapest insurance valuation update you can find  
• Or, keep looking for the cheapest deal around on sinking or capital funding forecasts
• And, of course, you can almost certainly find an even cheaper cleaning contractor to "clean" your building

But, I suppose strata shopping is like all bargain hunting ... you could easily end up buying something that you don't really need, that doesn't quite fit you or just wont last as long as you needed it to (even though you saved a bit of money).


So, make sure when you're strata shopping (whether on Boxing Day or not) that you buy what you actually want, that it suits your needs and that you buy the best quality you can afford within your budget.


See you at the sales and hands off those shoes ... they're mine !




Francesco ...