The latest Quantum Conversations features a discussion with Carole Anderson, a leading educator in the strata industry and the driving force behind Lighthouse Training & Consulting. Carole is a respected instructor for the Strata Community Australia (SCA) A100 Certification course, where she equips strata professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field.
Hosted by our Founder, Michael, this insightful conversation explores the essential role of committees in strata management, the importance of education, and the key challenges facing owners corporations today.
Thought-Worthy Topics from the Conversation:
The Critical Role of Strata Committees
Carole highlights the vital role that committees play in owners corporations, serving as the link between owners and management. While strata managers provide guidance on legislation, maintenance, and financials, it is ultimately the committee that makes key decisions. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ensuring the effective operation of any owners corporation.
Overcoming Challenges in Strata Management
Carole identifies two of the biggest challenges faced by committees:
- Budgeting – Taking the time to understand the financial responsibilities of an owners corporation is crucial for committees. Proper financial planning helps prevent unexpected costs and ensures long-term stability. Committees that are well-informed about budgeting and financial management can make more confident, strategic decisions for their community.
- Conflict Resolution – Managing different personalities and expectations can be challenging, but strong communication strategies help navigate disputes effectively.
The Importance of Education & Training for Committees
To effectively address these challenges, committees must prioritise ongoing education and training to strengthen governance, improve decision-making, and build more cohesive communities.
Some valuable strategies include:
- Key area of focus should be understanding the financial responsibilities of the owners corporation. Committees that take the time to learn about budgeting and gain a clear view of their owners corporation’s financial position will be better equipped to make sound financial decisions that support long-term stability.
- Committees conducting annual performance reviews of themselves to assess how effectively they have fulfilled their responsibilities and set future goals for improvement.
- Encouraging the formation of special interest groups (working groups) outside of the committee, allowing owners to contribute their expertise and passion to specific areas like landscaping, sustainability, or community events.
- Managers play a crucial role in supporting new committee members by providing structured onboarding and inductions. This guidance helps new members gain the knowledge and confidence they need to contribute effectively to their roles.
The Power of Communication
A key theme throughout the conversation is the importance of communication in strata management. Simple yet effective practices—such as acknowledging emails, setting response expectations, and ensuring transparency—help build trust between managers and committees.
Read the full transcript HERE.
The insights shared in this episode are invaluable for both strata managers and committee members looking to enhance their effectiveness and create thriving communities.
Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to explore the evolving world of strata management, leadership, and community building.