There’s a buzz about the socials of the newly elected boards of Strata Community Association Qld, NSW, and Victoria. They suggest enthusiasm and optimism for a fresh start, and maybe just a hint of Mark Twain’s famous refrain – ‘reports of my death have been exaggerated’. 

Brand SCA has taken a flogging from the involvement of former board members in the Steadfast insurance crisis (which btw is not over yet), and the ABC’s interviews with the former NSW President and his successor. As government and public trust plummeted, the supplier sponsored parties and events raged, adding fuel to the fire. 

In the aftermath, talks began about a takeover or even a new body and brand. I was a party to these because I believe a strong national body is essential for the professionalisation of strata management, but such dramatic change may not be necessary. FULL DISCLSOURE – I’m not a member of SCA, and will never apply because I believe suppliers have no business being directly involved in the decision making of a professional association. That said, I would love to see SCA rise to be all that it could be. 

Happily, some well-regarded and experienced members have been elected along with some fresh faces with good ideas. Congratulations to them. They deserve credit for volunteering, and support for any reforms they can make to improve the governance of the national body and the reputation of strata management as a calling. 

Onwards and upwards.