LookUpStrata regularly conducts FREE Thursday Strata Webinars with strata title specialists from all around Australia. These sessions provide strata industry specialists and lot owners unique access to information they may not have previously had access to.
See below for all National Webinars, or check your State’s Strata Webinars, conducted for FREE regularly (usually weekly) throughout the year, via these links:
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NSW Strata Webinars
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QLD Strata Webinars
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VIC Strata Webinars
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ACT Strata Webinars
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SA Strata Webinars
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WA Strata Webinars
Upcoming Events
See all information about our upcoming webinars and other events here: Upcoming Strata Events.
NAT: How technology can transform the role of your caretaker or building manager | Jake Sharp, MiMOR + Laura Toplis, Cadogan – Sept 2024
Jake Sharp
MiMOR
E: jake@mimor.com.au
Laura Toplis
Cadogan Facilities Management
E: Laura@cadogan.co.nz
NAT WHS and Strata Safety: A Case Study of a Fatal Gate Collapse | Scott Bellerby, B Strata + Marcus Munstermann, QIA Group + Carolyn Meighan, Bugden Allen Lawyers – Sept 2024
Scott Bellerby
B Strata
E: scott.bellerby@bstratawa.com.au
P: 08 9382 7700
Marcus Munstermann
QIA Group
E: marcus@qiagroup.com.au
P: 1300 309 201
Carolyn Meighan
Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers
E: carolyn@bagl.com.au
P: 08 9254 6304
NAT: Unravelling Embedded Networks for Strata Buildings | Joseph Arena, Embedded Network Arena – Aug 2024
You can download a copy of the slide presentation from the session here: Unravelling Embedded Networks for Strata Buildings.
Joseph Arena
Embedded Network Arena
E: joseph@embeddednetworkarena.com.au
P: 1300 987 147
NAT: Level Up Your Strata Game. How To Get What You Want! Strata Lobbying 101 | Chris Irons, Strata Solve – August 2024
To download the presentation and read more about levelling up your strata game with lobbying, you can access the article here.
Chris Irons
Strata Solve
E: chris@stratasolve.com.au
P: 0419 805 898
NAT: Business owners – how much is your strata management company worth? | David Lin, Strata Business Brokers – August 2024
Building a thriving strata management business is no small feat. It demands years of dedication, in-depth industry knowledge, and strategic foresight. But have you ever paused to consider the true value of your business?
Understanding your business’s worth is crucial for more than just planning an exit strategy. Whether you’re exploring growth opportunities, seeking financing, or considering a strategic pivot, a clear valuation is essential.
In this webinar, David Lin from Strata Business Brokers looked into the intricacies of strata management business valuation. Discover how to navigate the market, identify key value drivers, and implement strategies to maximise your business’s potential.
Topics covered included:
- For strata business valuations, what are the key drivers and market trends around Australia?
- 7 things all business owners should do – whether you are selling or not.
- Reasons for wanting to sell.
- The importance of succession planning.
- Tips for ensuring a successful sale.
Relevant Resources
- Reaching an inflection point: how to thrive in a challenging environment Macquarie Bank
- WEBINAR Nat: Strata Management Fees: Practical answers to the ‘per lot fee’ dilemma Michael Kleinschmidt from Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers. Jun 2024.
- VIDEO NAT: Strata Management Charges – Why the race to the bottom is not good for anyone Alex McCormick, Branch Manager from BCS Melbourne and Nathan Clarke, Licensed Strata Manager & Branch Manager from Hunter Strata. Mar 2024.
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Business owners – how much is your strata management company worth?
David Lin
Strata Business Brokers
E: david@stratabusinessbrokers.com.au
P: 1300 917 848 OR 0434 820 823
NAT: Who’s Paying What? Unraveling Strata Insurance Commissions | John Trowbridge, Trowbridge Consulting – June 2024
John Trowbridge from Trowbridge Consulting joined us to discuss Phase 2 of his Independent Review of Strata Insurance Practices which focused on the critical issue of intermediary remuneration. Those of you who attended our panel discussion on insurance renewals last year might recall John’s insights on the Phase 1 findings.
We examined potential conflicts of interest that can arise from current remuneration structures and unpack what John refers to as “Black box” arrangements and other questionable practices that can lead to higher premiums and limited choices for strata owners.
Are these practices legal? And why haven’t they been addressed before? John sheds light on the underlying reasons for their existence and the challenges of tackling ‘black box’ arrangements.
But it’s not all bad news! Phase 2 also proposes recommendations and John shares how to identify potential conflicts and ensure greater transparency when dealing with intermediaries.
By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how remuneration practices impact strata insurance and what steps you can take to protect your interests including examples of how to ask better questions about intermediary remuneration when dealing with brokers or strata managers.
Relevant Resources
- The Trowbridge Consulting Website
- Strata Insurance Disclosure Handbook
- WEBINAR Nat: Strata commission during the insurance renewal process John Trowbridge from Trowbridge Consulting, Michael Kleinschmidt from Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers, and William Marquand from Tower Body Corporate. Aug 2023.
- WEBINAR NAT: Strata Insurance Commissions. Where do you stand? Panel of strata and insurance professionals. Jun 2023.
- WEBINAR NAT: Strata Managers as Fiduciaries, or ‘Wow, I didn’t know that…” Michael Kleinschmidt from Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers. Jul 2023.
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Remuneration of Strata Insurance Intermediaries
John Trowbridge
Trowbridge Consulting
NAT: Risks of e-bikes and e-scooters to strata owners | Fire & Rescue NSW, Sedgwick, OCN – June 2024
Daniel O’Dea from Fire and Rescue NSW, Sean Callan from Sedgwick and Fred Tuckwell from OCN joined us to discuss the fire safety challenges posed by e-bikes and e-scooters in strata buildings and explore solutions to mitigate these risks.
Early last year, ABC reported that more than 450 fires across Australia had been linked to lithium-ion batteries over the previous 18 months. Throughout today’s session, we looked at the specific fire hazards posed by e-bikes and e-scooters stored and charged in strata buildings. We discussed practical steps that owners corporations/body corporates can take to manage these risks proactively.
Are there effective by-laws to create a safe environment for everyone who uses these electric mobility devices in your community? We also looked at the complexity of claims when it comes to lithium-ion battery fires.
What was discussed?
- Lithium-ion battery incident data and micromobility incidents by device type and charging status
- Lithium-ion battery fire risks and hazards – causes of thermal runaway and vapour cloud production and explosion
- The complexities of claims relating to e-bike and e-scooter fires including a case study of an e-bike fire in a NSW apartment building (Jan 2024)
- Whether to ban or not
- Why a bylaw is necessary and what the by-law should (and shouldn’t) include
Relevant Resources
- Concerns over growing number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes ABC News, Jan 2023
- Electric Bike and Scooter Charging Safety Fire and Rescue NSW
- Battery and Charging Safety Fact Sheet Fire and Rescue NSW
- OCN E-mobility devices By-law Proforma
- VIDEO 20240119 – Bondi unit fire
- WEBINAR QLD: Simplifying the approval and dispute process when talking EV charging in strata Chris Irons from Strata Solve and Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata. Mar 2024.
- WEBINAR NSW + QLD: EV Charging and the importance of getting it right for your building Allan Parker from Altogether Group. Jun 2023.
- WEBINAR WA: The “naked truth” – Retrofitting EV Charging Stations in Strata buildings Scott Bellerby from B Strata and Damien Moran from Energy-Tec. Mar 2023.
- VIDEO NSW: What happens in an apartment fire? First hand account of a strata emergency COO Bob Epps and Account Manager Haydn Smith from 2020 Fire Protection. Sept 2022.
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Risk of e-bikes and e-scooters to strata owners
Sean Callan
Sedgwick
E: Sean.Callan@sedgwick.com
Daniel O’Dea
Fire and Rescue NSW
E: info@fire.nsw.gov.au
Fred Tuckwell
Owners Corporation Network
E: fred.tuckwell@ocn.org.au
NAT: Practical Answers To The ‘Per Lot Fee’ Dilemma | Michael Kleinschmidt, Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers – June 2024
Michael Kleinschmidt from Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers joined Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to talk about per lot fees in strata management.
Strata management companies walk a tightrope, trying to provide high-quality service at a reasonable cost while keeping lot owners satisfied.
So, how do we avoid the race to the bottom? How can strata managers maintain a healthy business model and keep clients happy?
Michael offers a fresh perspective and challenges the status quo, providing practical answers to the per lot fee dilemma. Get ready to think outside the box!
What was discussed?
- Data shows the strata management industry has reached a crisis point. Revenue has to increase or costs will be unsustainable. We need to raise the bottom.
- The benefits of utilising tech efficiencies in strata.
- Healthy competition and an absent abuse of power is a good thing. Here’s what we need to do to get there.
- How you may be able to align your remuneration, where possible, with your clients so you both win at the same time.
- Why the industry needs to normalise a fair price. Michael suggests how to do that.
Relevant Resources
- Reaching an inflection point: how to thrive in a challenging environment – 2023 Strata Management Benchmarking Report Macquarie Bank
- VIDEO NAT: Strata Management Charges – Why the race to the bottom is not good for anyone Alex McCormick, BCS Strata Management and Nathan Clarke, Hunter Strata. Mar 2024.
- WEBINAR NAT: Strata Managers as Fiduciaries, or ‘Wow, I didn’t know that…’ Michael Kleinschmidt from Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers. Jul 2023.
- NAT: Strata Managers are undervalued and underpaid Michael Kleinschmidt from Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers.
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Michael Kleinschmidt
Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers
E: michael.kleinschmidt@bagl.com.au
P: 07 5406 1280
NAT: Advocating for Change Against Unfair Practices | Tyrone Shandiman, Chairman of the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby Inc. (ACIL) – May 2024
Tyrone Shandiman, Chairman of the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby Inc. (ACIL) joined Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to explore unfair practices in the strata industry and advocate for change.
ACIL recently conducted a comprehensive survey to gather firsthand experiences and insights on the prevalence of questionable practices within the strata industry.
Tyrone shares the results of this survey. His presentation will explore how these findings can be used to create a more ethical, transparent, and consumer-focused strata industry for the benefit of all stakeholders.
What was discussed?
- We unpacked the survey results and explored additional insights into how these findings are driving a community-led push for significant change
- Black box arrangements are explained in detail
- The identification of bad actors in the industry and their impact on consumers
- How unethical practices affect competition in the industry
- Just because it is legal doesn’t mean it’s right
- What the future looks like
Relevant Resources
- Strata Voices Heard: Analysing Survey Results for Consumer Rights and Industry Reform ACIL.
- WEBINAR NAT: Strata Insurance Commissions. Where do you stand? A diverse panel of strata and insurance professionals. Jun 2023.
- VIDEO NAT: Body corporate was charged $16k for Strata Manager to send 5 emails Ross Anderson, a Queensland Body Corporate owner. Mar 2024.
- VIDEO NAT: Strata Management Charges – Why the race to the bottom is not good for anyone Alex McCormick, BCS Melbourne and Nathan Clarke, Hunter Strata. Mar 2024.
- NAT: ABC Calls on the Australian public to share their strata stories
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Strata Voices Heard: Analysing survey results for consumer rights and industry reform presentation.
Tyrone Shandiman
Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby
E: info@acilobby.org.au
P: 1300 554 165
NAT: Optimising Remedial Works. Increasing the Market Value of Your Building | Tim Kurniadi and Ashley Penny from Paynter Dixon and Keiran Brooks from Webber Architects – May 2024
Tim Kurniadi and Ashley Penny from Paynter Dixon and Keiran Brooks from Webber Architects joined Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to discuss the Hyde Park Plaza rooftop transformation.
Remedial works can be an opportunity to not just fix problems, but also increase the value of your property. The Hyde Park Plaza rooftop project serves as an example. By expanding beyond essential repairs, the project incorporated additional amenities and implemented energy-saving features. This resulted in a subsequent increase in the property’s market value and enhanced resident enjoyment.
What was discussed?
- How a simple repair project became a valuable amenity
- The key steps to identify upgrade opportunities in your building
- Building a strong delivery team to ensure project success
- How to maximise the return on investment for your strata works
- Designing considerations for shared spaces in strata buildings
- Managing construction challenges in occupied buildings
Don’t just fix it, improve it!
Relevant Resources
- Hyde Park Plaza – providing an overview of the project.
- WEBINAR NAT: How to get bang for your buck when planning capital works Paul Morton and Jenine Garcia from Lannock Strata Finance. Feb 2024.
- WEBINAR NSW: High Performing Strata Committees Rod Smith from The Strata Collective. Aug 2021.
- WEBINAR NAT: Unlock Your Building’s Value. Convert Surplus Spaces into Valuable Assets James Bouteris from Asset Strata Valuers. Sep 2023.
- WEBINAR NAT: Balancing Maintenance Requirements and Future Upgrades Craig Welsh and Marcus Munstermann from QIA Group. Jul 2023.
- WEBINAR NSW + ACT: Helping lot owners deal with strata building defects Christopher Kerin from Kerin Benson Lawyers. Mar 2022.
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Optimising Remedial Works. Increasing the Market Value of Your Building presentation.
Tim Kurniadi
Paynter Dixon
E: Tim.Kurniadi@paynterdixon.com.au
Ashley Penny
Paynter Dixon
E: Ashley.Penny@paynterdixon.com.au
Keiran Brooks
Webber Architects
E: Keiran@webberarchitects.com
NAT: Strata Stress Survival! Strategies for Preventing Burnout and Promoting Wellbeing | Lauren McGee, Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Institute – March 2024
Lauren McGee, Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Institute joined Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to talk about strategies to prevent burnout and promote wellbeing in strata management offices around Australia.
A recent study indicated that approximately 60% of strata managers exceed the recommended 38-hour workweek, with one in five clocking 51 or more hours. Does this sound like you? Alarmingly, 43% of strata managers involved in the research reported grappling with mental health issues.
Lauren guided us in cultivating a culture of mutual support by helping us to recognise warning signs in ourselves and others.
What was discussed?
- Defining stress
- Understanding the importance of managing stress
- Discovering what actually causes stress in YOUR workplace
- Spotting red flags in yourself and colleagues
- Tips and Tricks to reduce stress
- Difference between stress and burnout
- Our 4 step process to preventing burnout
Relevant Resources
- Voice of the Strata Manager 2023 report MRI Software
- I Can’t Do This Anymore – Burnout in the Strata Industry Courtney Butters-Kerr, B Strata – CHU SCA (WA) 2023 Strata Community Excellence Awards – Essay Award Winner
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Strata Stress Survival Wellbeing Session.
Lauren McGee
Workplace Performance & Wellbeing Institute
E: admin@wpwi.org
NAT: Are you confident in your knowledge of the WHS Act as it applies to strata schemes? | Scott Bellerby, B Strata + Marcus Munstermann, QIA + Carolyn Meighan, Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers – February 2024
Scott Bellerby from B Strata, Marcus Munstermann from QIA and Carolyn Meighan from Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers join Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to discuss the WHS Act, tailored specifically to a strata setting.
What does ‘duty of care’ mean for strata owners, the committee, and strata managers? Is strata a person conducting a business or undertaking in relation to the common areas? We’ll also be talking about penalties and who they can be imposed on.
What was discussed?
- Who is a PCBUs and what exceptions apply?
- It’s not just PCBUs that have obligations under the WHS Act
- Are committee members liable? Can they be fined?
- Who has a duty of care and what are the duties?
- To what extent does the strata manager manage risk and safety of the scheme?
- Will WHS responsibilities lead to owners getting less help from their strata manager?
- If strata managers are willing to take on more than an administration role, they must start thinking about managing risk on-site.
- You are all responsible for risk onsite – owners, tenants, managers, and contractors.
- What must you do at the AGM and beyond to comply?
Relevant Resources
- Work Health and Safety Mud Map: Who, What, Where, Why Carolyn Meighan, Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers
- Key Obligations of the WHS Legislation – NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS, SA, WA vs VIC Marcus Munstermann, QIA Group
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Scott Bellerby
B Strata
E: scott.bellerby@bstratawa.com.au
P: 08 9382 7700
Marcus Munstermann
QIA Group
E: marcus@qiagroup.com.au
P: 1300 309 201
Carolyn Meighan
Bugden Allen Graham Lawyers
E: carolyn@bagl.com.au
P: 08 9254 6304
NAT: Your best practice guide for tendering remedial works | Bruce McKenzie and Edwina Feilen, Sedgwick – February 2024
Bruce McKenzie and Edwina Feilen from Sedgwick joined Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to provide your best practice guide for tendering for remedial works.
What are the owners corporation’s obligations when a building requires repairs, maintenance or capital works? As well as providing an overview of what the tendering process involves, Bruce and Edwina discuss the Owners Corporation or Body Corporate’s do’s and don’ts when undertaking remedial repairs.
Content covered during the session:
- An overview of the tendering process
- Key Tendering Principles
- Contract Insights
- Tools and guides for owners. Compliance with statutory requirements
- Service Provider Quote Comparison Table
- Case Studies
Relevant Resources
- Webinar NAT: How to get bang for your buck when planning capital works Paul Morton and Jenine Garcia, Lannock Strata Finance – February 2024
- Webinar NAT: Leaky Buildings in Strata James McIntosh and Bruce McKenzie from Sedgwick. July 2022
- Webinar NAT: Scope of Works Assisting Committees to Manage Rising Costs James McIntosh, Daniel McCullagh and Werner Preller from Sedgwick. March 2022
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Best Practice for Tendering Remedial Works.
Bruce McKenzie and Edwina Feilen
Sedgwick
E: bruce.mckenzie@au.sedgwick.com
P: 1300 735 720
NAT: How to get bang for your buck when planning capital works | Paul Morton and Jenine Garcia from Lannock Strata Finance – February 2024
Paul Morton and Jenine Garcia from Lannock Strata Finance joined Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to discuss the economics of capital works in strata and how to fund them.
How do you decide which capital works project is most appropriate? Is the cheapest quote the best quote? What are the available sources of funds, and how do you make the best choice? How does tax affect your decisions, and how can levies be structured to be tax-effective?
Content covered during the session:
- Understanding value for money or ‘Bang for your buck’
- Fast, good, cheap… You get what you pay for
- It’s not about cost, it’s about investment
- How to make the right decision for your asset
- Return on Investment: examples and comparisons
- Understanding the role of borrowing
- The true cost of money and investment decisions: there is no free money
- Make no mistake, delays equal higher costs!
- Get a project manager or not? What are the risks?
Relevant Resources
- Webinar NAT: Using strata finance for building transformations and defects Jenine Garcia, Lannock Strata Finance – February 2023
- Webinar NAT: Options for meeting financial obligations during challenging times Paul Morton from Lannock Strata Finance. August 2022
- Webinar NAT: Unlock Your Building’s Value. Convert Surplus Spaces into Valuable Assets James Bouteris from Asset Strata Valuers. September 2023
- Building Commission NSW Home Building Complaints: How we can help
- Subscribe to the LookUpStrata YouTube Channel and be the first to know when we upload video content to the channel.
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: How to get bang for your buck when planning capital works.
Paul Morton and Jenine Garcia
Lannock Strata Finance
E: strata@lannock.com.au
P: 1300 851 585
NAT: Legal Claims in Strata Insurance | Tyrone Shandiman, Strata Insurance Solutions and Chris Irons, Strata Solve – February 2024
Tyrone Shandiman from Strata Insurance Solutions and Chris Irons from Strata Solve join Nikki Jovicic from LookUpStrata to discuss legal claims in strata insurance, including understanding coverage and implications, plus exploring your choices.
Tyrone Shandiman looks at insurance coverage and provides a comprehensive understanding of committee considerations. This includes a detailed exploration of the claims process and potential implications of claims on future insurability.
Chris Irons offers insights into proactive strategies aimed at minimising the likelihood of insurance claims, including risk mitigation and sensible decision-making. Plus, practical and actionable options to reduce costs when you do have a claim.
Content covered during the session:
- What legal defence expenses covers and things you should know
- What office bearer’s liability insurance covers – legal defence expenses, defamation, conflicts of interest, failure to maintain statutory insurance, etc.
- What public liability insurance covers – legal claims for personal injury, defamation against the owners corporation / body corporate, failure to maintain property, etc.
- What management liability insurance covers – office bearer’s defamation, legal claims against the owners corporation / body corporate or office bearers, limitation on contract disputes, etc.
- The claims process – what to expect
- The pros and cons of proceeding, plus the alternatives.
- The impact of legal proceedings costs on your claims history.
- Best practice tips.
Relevant Resources
- Webinar NAT Strata insurance premium increases in 2023 – Committee considerations Tyrone Shandiman, Strata Insurance Solutions. March 2023
- Webinar NAT: Speak your best strata language Chris Irons from Strata Solve. November 2023
Download the Presentation
You can download the presentation from this session here: Legal Claims in Strata Insurance.
Chris Irons
Strata Solve
E: chris@stratasolve.com.au
P: 0419 805 898
Tyrone Shandiman
Strata Insurance Solutions
E: tshandiman@iaa.net.au
P: 1300 554 165
This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be personal advice on any particular matter. Shandit Pty Ltd T/as Strata Insurance Solutions strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information in this document, but should obtain appropriate professional advice based on their own personal circumstances. Shandit Pty Ltd T/As Strata Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 404246) of Insurance Advisenent Australia AFSL No 240549, ABN 15 003 886 687.