Strata managers are more than administrators — they are the engine behind thriving, connected communities. Driving Communities is SCA ACT’s flagship conference designed to equip managers with the tools, insights, and confidence to lead with impact.
This year’s theme focuses on how strata professionals can take the driver’s seat in shaping resilient, future-ready communities. From managing complex building issues like defects and maintenance, to navigating changing regulations, ethical governance, and digital transformation — this conference is about action, leadership, and long-term value for owners.
Join us in Canberra for a high-impact day of expert presentations, practical sessions, and real-world case studies. Learn from leading legal, technical, and industry professionals, connect with your peers, and walk away with strategies you can implement immediately.
It’s time to shift gear — and drive your communities forward.
Date: Tuesday 17 June 2025
Venue: 59 Cameron Avenue Conference & Event Centre (Mercure Belconnen) Level 11, 59 Cameron Avenue Belconnen, ACT 2617
CPD: 4 points
Program - Strata Conference
9:00am - 9:30am
Registration & Exhibition Opens
9:30am - 9:40am
CHU SCA (ACT) Conference Opening with President Welcome
9:40am - 10:15am
Setting Expectations for Better Collaboration
Joshua Baldwin, SCA Australasia President
Strong committees don’t just form — they’re built through clear expectations, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of how they’ll work together. This session will offer practical insight into how to create a Committee Agreement, what it can include, and how it helps prevent conflict, improve decision-making, and support committee cohesion over time. Receive tips on facilitating the process in a collaborative, inclusive way.
10:15am - 10:50am
A Practical Consideration of Section 31 Expenses Arising with Respect to Rule Breaches
Susan Proctor BA LLB, FAICD, FELLOW ACSL, Proctor Legal
What happens when a single owner’s actions lead to disruption, legal costs and community dissatisfaction — and the Owners Corporation is left to absorb the consequences? Section 31 of the Unit Titles (Management) Act provides a mechanism for recovering those costs, however, has limitations with respect to the recovery of legal expenses. How best to attempt to address from an Owners Corporation perspective. This session will consider recent Tribunal decisions, including The Owners 3704 v Moore (Unit Titles) {2025} ACAT 22 and an unreported decision.
10:50am - 11:10am
Morning Tea
11:10am - 11:55am
Building Defects in Focus: Reports, Risks and Responsibilities
Claire Burke, CHU Underwriting Agencies
When it comes to building defects, strata managers are the critical link between technical experts and owners corporations. This session will take a deep dive into the practical and strategic steps managers must take to lead owners through the complex terrain of building rectification. This is a session for managers who want to drive defect resolution forward — not sit in neutral. You'll walk away with practical tips and a deeper understanding of your role in building trust and outcomes.
11:55am - 12:35pm
Proactive Defect Management: Reports, Rights
and Risk
Shelley Mulherin, Thomson Geer
Prof. (Adjunct) Chris Bulmer OAM, Greenwich Advisory
In new buildings, the race against time begins the moment construction is complete — not when a certificate of occupancy is issued. This session will equip strata managers with the critical legal and practical knowledge to take control of defect management timelines and protect owners' rights under the ACT’s complex warranty and liability framework.
12:35pm - 1:20pm
Lunch
1:20pm - 2:10pm
Panel - From Deficit to Dream: Turning Around Dysfunctional Communities
Some strata communities feel too far gone—crippling arrears, toxic committee culture, constant conflict, or years of neglected maintenance. But with the right leadership, even the most dysfunctional schemes can be rebuilt into financially stable, cooperative, and well-functioning communities.
In this insightful panel session, experienced strata managers share real-world stories of how they’ve helped turn around struggling schemes. You’ll hear what warning signs they saw, what steps they took, and how they rebuilt trust, financial stability, and community participation.
Whether you're working with a newly acquired portfolio or supporting a long-standing scheme in crisis, this session offers practical tools, inspiration, and hard-earned wisdom to help you lead change with confidence.
2:10pm - 2:55pm
Panel - What I Wish I Knew
Every seasoned strata professional has a moment, or ten, they wish they could go back and do differently. But those very moments are often the ones that shaped their success.
In this story-driven session, we will share the mistakes managers have made, the lessons they learned, and the truths they wish someone had told them earlier. From difficult clients to burnout, from early-career misjudgments to lightbulb moments of leadership, this session will offer insight, humour, and hard-earned wisdom for strata professionals at every stage of their career.
2:55pm - 3:00pm
CHU SCA (ACT) Conference President Close
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Networking Drinks with Afternoon Tea
*Please note - timings are subject to change
Program - Owner Forum
10:00am - 10:30am
Registration Opens with Morning Tea
10:30am - 10:35am
SCA (ACT) Owner Forum Opening
10:35am - 11:25am
Staying Ahead of Building Defects: What Every
Owner Needs to Know
Shelley Mulherin, Thomson Geer
Prof. (Adjunct) Chris Bulmer OAM, Greenwich Advisory
If you live in a newly built apartment or townhouse, it’s important to
understand that the clock on building defect claims starts ticking much
earlier than most owners realise. This session will help you take control by
explaining when and how to act — so you don’t lose your right to have
defects fixed. Owners will learn why it’s essential to organise independent
building reports at key points: at the end of the builder’s initial defects period,
and again at two and six years after construction. These reports help you
gather evidence, protect your investment, and trigger action while your legal
rights are still open.
11:25am - 12:00pm
A Practical Consideration of Section 31 Expenses Arising with Respect to Rule Breaches
Susan Proctor BA LLB, FAICD, FELLOW ACSL, Proctor Legal
What happens when a single owner’s actions lead to disruption, legal costs and community dissatisfaction — and the Owners Corporation is left to absorb the consequences? Section 31 of the Unit Titles (Management) Act provides a mechanism for recovering those costs, however, has limitations with respect to the recovery of legal expenses. How best to attempt to address from an Owners Corporation perspective. This session will consider recent Tribunal decisions, including The Owners 3704 v Moore (Unit Titles) {2025} ACAT 22 and an unreported decision.
12:00pm - 12:50pm
Lunch
12:50pm - 1:25pm
Strata Claims: How to Get It Right
Melissa Adams and Tonia Sacco, Body Corporate Brokers
Strata insurance is essential—but when it comes time to make a claim, many owners and committees are unsure what to do, what’s covered, or how to help ensure a smooth process. In this session, hear from a strata insurance broker who will walk you through the most common types of claims, what information is needed to support them, and the correct steps to follow when raising a claim. This is a practical, owner-friendly session designed to demystify the process, reduce delays, and improve outcomes for the entire scheme.
1:25pm - 1:55pm
Panel - Plan Now or Pay Later: Why Repairs, Maintenance and Capital Works Funding Matter
The most financially stable and harmonious strata schemes don’t just respond to issues—they plan for them. This session focuses on the importance of proactive repairs and maintenance planning, and why placing adequate funds into capital works reserves is critical for long-term success. Whether it’s avoiding costly special levies, preparing for major building upgrades, or keeping up with asset life cycles, capital works planning is a cornerstone of responsible strata governance. This session will explore committees can shift from reactive to strategic maintenance, strengthen financial resilience, and ensure their buildings remain safe, compliant, and desirable.
1:55pm - 2:00pm
SCA (ACT) Owner Forum Close
*Please note - timings are subject to change
Registration
Early Bird Full Delegate Member Registration | $100 incl. GST
This ticket includes entry to the CHU SCA (ACT) Conference (includes program, morning tea, lunch, and networking drinks).
Available to SCA Strata Management and Strata Services members only.
Early Bird registration closes 2 June 2025.
Standard Full Delegate Member Registration | $115 incl. GST
Ticket price will alter from 3 June 2025.
Non-Member Full Delegate Registration | $155 incl. GST
This ticket includes entry to the CHU SCA (ACT) Conference
includes program, morning tea, lunch, and networking drinks).
Available to Non SCA members.
Early Bird Owner Member Registration | $50 incl. GST
This ticket includes entry to the SCA (ACT) Owner Forum (includes program, morning tea and lunch).
Available to SCA Owner members only.
Early Bird registration closes 6 June 2025.
Standard Owner Member Registration | $60 incl. GST
Ticket price will alter from 7 June 2025.
If you have any questions, please email events@strata.community
Presenters
Shelley Mulherin, Thomson Geer
A proficient dispute resolution and litigation lawyer, Shelley acts for local and national corporate clients across a range of sectors including strata, development and building and construction. Shelley specialises in the resolution of corporate governance disputes, commercial and corporate contractual disputes and residential and commercial construction disputes. She regularly appears for clients in complex litigation in the ACT Supreme Court and Federal Court. In the management of litigation, Shelley brings 17 years of experience to her clients as well as a deep understanding of the commercial impacts of litigation and dispute resolution processes. As the immediate past president of the Strata Community Association (ACT) and a member of the Master Builders Association (ACT) Professional Sector Council, Shelley is a regular contributor to ACT Government consultation panels in relation to the regulation of professional services, strata and unit titles reforms, and law reform issues more broadly in the ACT.
Claire Burke, CHU Underwriting Agencies
Claire joined CHU in 2011 and has since held a number of roles in the underwriting department. Having developed a deep understanding of the complex nature of strata-titled properties with defects and combustible cladding, she has carved a niche for specialty risk underwriting within CHU and the broader strata insurance industry and is known as the Queen of Defects at CHU. Claire served as a member on the SCA ACT Board for 2 years in 2020-2022. Claire is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, received the 2023 ANZIIF Making a Difference Award, named on the Insurance Business List of Elite Women in Insurance in 2024, won the inaugural Woman of Distinction Award at the 2024 Insurance Business Awards and was named in the 2025 Insurance Business Global 100.
Susan Proctor BA LLB, FAICD, FELLOW ACSL, Proctor Legal
Susan is a NSW Law Society accredited specialist in Property Law. Susan is a Fellow of and Council Member of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers. She has featured as a Leading Property Lawyer in Doyles Guide since 2016. Susan founded her law firm Proctor Legal, a boutique property practice in 2017 to focus on Strata Law, after 18 years as a partner in a larger independent law firm in the ACT. Susan’s practice includes significant development and titling work in the ACT, acting for both Owners Corporations and Unit Owners with respect to governance and other issues including regular appearances at ACAT. Susan has been instrumental in leading the reforms that were passed as legislation in November 2020 and more recently, after leading the charge for changes particularly in relation to mixed use sites and complex titles. Susan has registered the first three Building Management Statements in the ACT. Susan is regularly asked to speak at Strata Events on legal issues that impact Owners, Owners Corporations, Strata Managers and Lawyers.
Prof. (Adjunct) Chris Bulmer OAM, Greenwich Advisory
Chris is an experienced Building Consultant, Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor (QS) working in Residential. Chris works with Strata Managers, Owners Corporations and Lawyers. He has the unique ability to identify the rectification scope attaining sensible and realistic commercial outcomes with adherence to legal instructions. Greenwich Advisory provides Expert Defects Reports in Building, Façade, Structural, Waterproofing, M&E and QS with ongoing client-side Project Management of rectification. Chris has prepared reports for NCAT and Supreme Court and has appeared in those proceedings. Chris is on the Executive of the Australian Society of Building Consultants and is on the Industry Advisory Board for the Council of Civil Engineers at USYD.
Melissa Adams, Body Corporate Brokers
Melissa commenced her journey with the General Insurance sector in 2006 working for AAMI in their Home and Contents Claims Department. Moving forward to 2025, Melissa is now an experienced Senior Claims Consultant and Account Executive working at Body Corporate Brokers for over 5 years, specialising in Strata Insurance with a strong focus on delivering expert claims management and tailored client support to Body Corporates and Strata Communities. With over 15 years in the General Insurance industry, Melissa brings a deep technical knowledge in strata-related claims, including property damage, liability, weather events, and building defects. In her dual role, Melissa manages complex, strata claims from lodgement through to resolution, ensuring timely settlements while maintaining compliance with policy terms and regulatory standards. Melissa also serves as a trusted advisor to strata managers and committees, providing guidance on insurance policy structures, risk management strategies, and ongoing claims advocacy. Known for her detail-oriented approach and commitment to client service, Melissa excels at balancing commercial outcomes with empathetic, solution-driven support for stakeholders navigating challenging claim scenarios. Her ability to communicate clearly, negotiate effectively, and collaborate across insurers, loss adjusters, legal representatives, and trades ensures she deliver outcomes that uphold both financial and community interests.
Joshua Baldwin, SCA Australasia President
Joshua Baldwin has been a dedicated professional in strata since 2011. Josh began his involvement with SCA in 2013 where he served as a Board member and later President of the SA/NT Chapter. In 2024, after a year as Vice President, Josh was appointed as President of the National board. In July 2024, he was appointed President of SCA. Joshua is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and work-life balance in the industry.
Tonia Sacco, Body Corporate Brokers
Tonia began her career as an insurance broker with Body Corporate Brokers in 2018, specialising in strata and property insurance. She quickly built strong client relationships and developed a reputation for providing reliable, service-driven advice. Her commitment to client service and leadership ultimately led to her promotion to Regional Manager. In this role, she oversees operations across New South Wales and the ACT, and drives strategic business growth. Tonia specialises in hard-to-place and complex risks in strata, with a focus on securing suitable placement solutions for her clients. She is a Tier 1 compliant insurance broker and holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking). Tonia is also a Senior Associate of ANZIIF and a Certified Insurance Professional.
Sponsorship & Exhibition
Elevate your Brand at the SCA (ACT) Conference
Opportunities Open Now
This event is a key opportunity to showcase your brand, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable exposure within the strata community.
By securing a sponsorship or exhibition package, you will have the chance to:
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Increase brand visibility and awareness
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Showcase your products and services to the strata industry
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Develop valuable connections and partnerships with industry colleagues
Book now and secure your opportunity to elevate your brand and make a lasting impression at the Conference.
All opportunities are subject to availability.
For sponsorship opportunities, download now or contact marketing@strata.community.
We thank our Sponsors for their ongoing support
Annual Sponsors
Exhibitor Sponsors
Venue
Mercure Belconnen
59 Cameron Avenue Conference & Events Centre in Mercure Belconnen is home to the SCA (ACT) Conference for 2025. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Belconnen and just 8 km from Canberra CBD, the venue provides sweeping views of Lake Ginninderra and the Brindabella mountains.
SCA has secured discounted rates for accommodation at Mercure Belconnen, available to delegates attending the Strata Conference and Owner Forum.
Click here for further information and booking link. Subject to availability.
Terms and conditions apply, please review before completing your booking. If you have a subscription to any loyalty programs affiliated with the hotel, we recommend you check and compare the rates against these arrangements.
Strata Community Association takes no responsibility for any direct bookings made by delegates using this link.
SCA is not responsible for any accommodation cancellations and refunds. You need to contact the hotel directly and review the terms and conditions you agreed upon confirming your booking.
Parking:
Onsite early bird parking rate, $9 for entry before 9.30am and exit before 5.30pm. Standard rate for guests is $15 per night. Paid public parking is available on levels 2, 3 and 4. Subject to availability.
