Frustrated that nothing is improving? Take action by joining your strata committee.

Faded paint, neglected gardens or untidy common areas? Have you maintained and improved your apartment or town house impeccably but frustrated that same care isn’t be applying to your broader strata complex. Your complaints may go nowhere, but joining your strata committee is your opportunity to contribute.

What is a strata committee?

Depending on the state or territory, the strata committee is might be called an executive committee, managing committee, committee of management, the committee, or council. The names may differ but the purpose is the same.

The strata committee is a group of owners elected at each Annual General Meeting (AGM) to represent all lot owners of the strata scheme. This group is charged with making decisions on all matters which confront the owners corporation or body corporate. These include the control, maintenance and repair of the common property. The committee also has the responsibility of enforcing the bylaws, and has the ability to make new ones.

How do I join the committee?

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is where you can be voted in after being nominated or nominating yourself. All owners corporation committees must hold an annual meeting which is open to all lot owners. With the AGM being annual, you may want to start familiarising yourself with the scheme and current committee members.

If you are an owner occupier, mingle with your neighbours and find out who’s currently on the committee and actively involved. Make yourself known to them along with your enthusiasm to get involved and help. In doing so, you’re building support for your nomination.

What do I need to do on the committee?

Committee meetings are the forum for discussion and decision making. How often the committee meets is up to the committee, but as a contributor you will need to make time to attend these meetings and contribute to communication (usually email) in between meetings. Being on the committee requires commitment and patience even if it is just voluntary work. However, you’ll have an active role in improving your strata scheme and addressing the very issues that motivated you to join!