Sustainability the rage at OCN conference

It’s that time of year again, when strata experts drag themselves away from their research projects and academic papers to pass on their wisdom at seminars and workshops.

The next cab off the rank is the Owners Corporation Network (OCN’s) annual Strata Matters conference which this year will focus on finance and sustainability, two topics that sound almost mutually exclusive.

However, with “sustainability” the watchword for the event, the OCN organisers promise a plethora of insightful sessions and subjects.

The keynote presentation on “managing the human capital” will be presented by Michael Teys, strata management consultant, researcher and former strata lawyer. He will address:

• How to successfully engage with your committee
• Handling persistent complainers
• Succession planning for committee members
• Getting others onside to fund repairs and ongoing maintenance

A panel on sustainably managing your building’s physical capital for a sustainable future will be moderated by Professor Hazel Easthope, Deputy Director at City Futures Research Centre, UNSW. Topic will include:

• Sustainability initiatives eg energy savings, EV charging
• Fire safety compliance regarding EV/E mobility devices
• Grants for solar and other sustainability initiatives

And a third panel on how to manage the rising costs of living, will include:

• Overdue levy collection
• Convincing your owners the value of investing in repairs and maintenance
• The DBP Act impact on the cost of remedial works
• Funding big ticket expenses like insurance

NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner John Minns will deliver the opening address and the event will be MC-ed by Lachan Malloch, his Principal Advisor.

This morning-only event is on Thursday, September 12at Rydges World Square, Sydney, from 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM (followed by lunch). Member tickets cost $66 while non-members’ passes are $99 and you can book them HERE.