Acknowledging the Moment
This week has reminded us how precious community really is. In strata, we often talk about compliance, levies, and maintenance, but behind every decision are people. Families. Neighbours. Contractors who show up rain or shine.
When life feels uncertain, gratitude becomes more than a nice sentiment, it’s a stabilising force. It reminds us why we do what we do and who we do it for.
Why Gratitude Matters in Strata
Strata management is complex. It involves balancing budgets, navigating legislation, and coordinating repairs. But at its heart, strata is about relationships.
Gratitude changes those relationships. When committees appreciate the effort behind repairs, when residents acknowledge clear communication, and when managers recognise the trust placed in them, everything runs smoother.
Gratitude fosters collaboration. It turns tense meetings into constructive conversations. It transforms “us versus them” into “we’re in this together.” And in a world where stress levels are high, that shift matters.
In corporate strata I once debated a colleague who, from the comfort of “head office,” insisted strata wasn’t about relationships. The statement was confident; the experience behind it was not. It was a pivotal moment. Driving home, I made a commitment: I would build a company that rejects that indifference and restores the human core of this work. That company became Bettr Strata – deliberate growth, decisions tied to values, and service measured not by volume but by trust. Strata is about people, or it isn’t about anything.
Reflecting on 2025
At Bettr Strata, 2025 was a year of grit and growth. We faced challenges – from legislative changes to complex insurance claims – but through it all, our values anchored us:
(a) Transparency: Clear communication, no surprises.
(b) Accountability: Owning outcomes and delivering on promises.
(c) Personalised Service: Treating every scheme as unique, because it is.
These aren’t just words on a page; they’re principles that guided every decision we made. And they’ll guide us even more in 2026.
Our Gratitude List
As we close out the year, we want to pause and say thank you:
(1) To our clients who trust us with their homes and communities.
(2) To our contractors who deliver under pressure and keep buildings safe.
(3) To our team who live our values daily and go the extra mile.
(4) To families and communities who remind us why we do this work.
Your trust is the reason we exist. Your feedback helps us improve. And your resilience inspires us every day.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The coming year brings new expectations for strata communities. Compulsory strata management is gaining traction, and with it comes a sharper focus on compliance, governance, and financial stewardship. Bettr Strata is proud to be sort out more and more for such appointments.
For some, this feels daunting. For us, it’s an opportunity. Why? Because good management isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about building trust. When compliance is handled proactively and transparently, it becomes a foundation for better living. Owners corporations can focus on what matters: creating safe, functional, and harmonious communities.
Our 2026 focus is steady, deliberate growth. We’re not chasing size, we’re chasing impact. Every decision will come back to our founding values and our “why”: to simplify strata and prioritise people.
That means:
(1) Investing in technology that improves communication without losing the human touch.
(2) Strengthening compliance processes so committees feel confident and informed.
(3) Continuing to educate owners and residents about their rights and responsibilities under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
Gratitude as a Business Principle
Gratitude isn’t just personal, it’s professional. It shapes how we lead, how we serve, and how we grow.
When we thank a contractor for meeting a tight deadline, we strengthen a partnership. When we acknowledge a committee’s effort to resolve a tough issue, we build trust. And when we express appreciation to our team, we create a culture that attracts and retains great people. The quality of people wanting to join Bettr Strata says a lot about not only what we are doing, but what others are not doing in their businesses.
In 2026, we’ll keep gratitude at the heart of our operations, not as a seasonal gesture, but as a daily practice.
Practical Ways to Show Gratitude in Strata
If you’re part of an owners corporation, here are three simple ways to make gratitude part of your building’s culture:
(1) Start Meetings with Thanks: Before diving into budgets and motions, acknowledge the effort people have made, whether it’s attending, volunteering, or resolving issues.
(2) Celebrate Wins Publicly: Share updates when repairs are completed or compliance milestones are met. A quick email or notice board post goes a long way.
(3) Recognise Contractors: A thank-you note or prompt payment shows respect and builds loyalty.
Small gestures create big shifts. They turn transactions into relationships, and relationships are what make strata work.
Closing Thoughts
As we move into 2026, our commitment is clear: steady growth, strong communities, and decisions rooted in values. Gratitude will guide us every step of the way.
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to a new year of collaboration, trust, and appreciation.
Yours in strata,
JM