What is Strata Committee?

The Strata Committee represents owners or owners nominees in the Owners Corporation of a strata scheme. They are responsible for the daily running of the strata scheme and elected at each annual general meeting by the Owners Corporation. Any resolution made by the Strata Committee is treated as a decision of the Owners Corporation.

To qualify in becoming a Strata Committee member, you must be an owner; a company nominee of a corporation that is an owner; a person who is not an owner but who is nominated by an owner who is not standing for election. Co-owners can only be chosen by an owner who is not a co-owner of the lot, or a co-owner of that lot which is not a candidate for the election. If a vacancy arises due to a resignation, during the term of the Strata Committee, the Owners Corporation should designate a person to fill the vacancy until the annual general meeting.

Directly after the Annual General Meeting (also known as an AGM), the Strata Committee then decide who is to hold the office-bearer positions. They are the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. They make the vast majority of the decisions that control the strata scheme. The office bearers need to ensure that their duties are appropriately carried out.

Covered by the NSW Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, the chairperson, secretary and treasurer have specific and crucial functions. There is a considerable amount of responsibility that comes with being a strata committee member, and you may appoint many assigned functions to the Strata Managers. The Strata Manager is the first contact in dealing with an enormous assortment of issues. Strata Managers are specialists in their field, possessing the knowledge and skill to handle the Owners Corporation in conjunction with following the requirements of the particular state-based legislation. They also work to achieve accord in decision making by the lot owners and to otherwise assist the lot owners by assuming burdensome responsibilities. Strata Managers have involved collecting and banking levies, creating a budget, placing insurance, keeping financial accounts and coordinating the affairs of lot owners, including conducting meetings. In most instances, the Strata Manager usually execute all the functions of the Secretary and Treasurer, who operates with supervisory capacity.

The Building Manager is on-site arranging all of the common area repairs and maintenance, safety and security of the building, assists in upholding the By-laws, and in the preserving of the buildings main assets. The Building Manager is now becoming the core communicator to the residents advising on the strata schemes activities and responsible for setting the culture of the Strata Scheme.

Strata Committee members are volunteers from all walks of life. However, the more involved they become, the more they can put their self in a position to spot the problems and implement positive changes. If possible, it's beneficial to enrol people who will bring something more to the group than just a desire to protect their interest. Rule of thumb, a member should have no conflict of interest on the Strata Committee. The aim is to have enrolment from people with a passion for making a difference. Before putting up your hand, consider asking yourself if you are willing to contribute to the greater community. Do you have keenness in fixing issues? Will you have time to roll your sleeves up and do the work. Are you committed always to make decisions in the best interest of the building?

If you are an owner of a strata scheme and know you can add value (representation of diversity is essential), consider becoming a member of the Strata Committee. You will be an active contributor to something positive, something bigger than yourself with the opportunity to influence the look and feel of your building, subsequently, make a real impact on the property’s value.