President’s Report Autumn 2021

As I write this, NSW and parts of South East Queensland, are in the middle of a flood emergency which is causing devastation across the state with towns underwater and homes lost. The Insurance Council has declared an insurance catastrophe. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event and the volunteers who work so hard during these times to ensure the safety of those affected. Hopefully, by the time you read this, repairs are well underway and those affected have received the necessary support.

It is times like these that the value of the strata manager cannot be underestimated. From assisting with temporary accommodation and liaising with insurance companies to get the claims process underway, together with offering support to affected residents, the role of the strata manager is endless and in some cases, they do this whilst also being an affected party as well. This is just one of the many roles that a strata manager undertakes together with all the usual day-to-day tasks and demands. We are here to support the millions of residents that form part of the Strata Community none more so in challenging times and it is our role at SCA to support our members where we can.

One of these roles is to advocate on behalf of members particularly when it comes to matters such as insurance, building defects and legislation reviews. As you are aware SCA has an Insurance Taskforce in place with a comprehensive research paper being compiled by Deakin University. Once this has been completed, this will form the basis for a defined advocacy campaign targeted at both state and federal governments. Member surveys have been sent out and responses to date have far exceeded expectations.

I would like to thank our National Policy and Advocacy Manager, Shaun Brockman, who pulls all the information together and ensures that submissions are lodged on time and in accordance with terms of reference.

New National Board Directors

We recently had a couple of changes to the National Board with SCA (VIC) Director Gregor Evans standing aside due to his appointment as SCA (VIC) President and I would like to thank Gregor for his valued contribution over the past few years.

Steve Danne has stepped into the role as the new SCA (VIC) Director and I welcome Steve and look forward to his contributions.

It is important that we have a varied skillset on the board and after a recent survey we concluded that to enhance the current directors it would be advantageous to have a director with marketing/public relations skills. After conducting a comprehensive interview process, I am pleased to welcome Mellisa Gillies as an appointed director.

There are several events happening across the regions in this first half of the year from awards to retreats and of course our National Convention to be held in Adelaide from the 22-23 June 2021, capped off with the SCA Australasia Awards. I look forward to seeing you there!

SCA now has an excellent complement of staff to service the requirements of our members around the country and I thank them all for their assistance and tireless work.

I am pleased to welcome our newest business partner Active Utilities Pty Ltd who together with our longstanding partners BCB, CHU, Grace Lawyers, Macquarie Bank, and our education partner Kelly + Partners, continue to support SCA and our industry and in turn I implore you to support them.

Strata Community Association – The unified, dominant voice of Strata in Australia & New Zealand.

Until next time.