On Saturday night, Lauren surprised me with tickets to the Oasis concert, a gift that meant more than she probably realised. I’ve been a lifelong fan, and in the midst of everything going on, welcoming our beautiful daughter Charlie, building a new company from the ground up, and recovering from three intense years of legal matters – having something to look forward to was powerful.
It was a moment to disconnect. To breathe. To remember why we go through the grind each week.
Yes, the “why” is family. But sometimes, the selfish reasons matter too, the music, the memories, the chance to feel like yourself again. I’m incredibly grateful to Lauren for organising such an unforgettable night.
And it got me thinking about the lyrics of “Little by Little” – how they speak to the slow, steady journey of growth. That’s exactly how we approach strata at Bettr.
Why “Little by Little” Matters in Strata
Strata communities are complex. They’re made up of people with different priorities, personalities, and pressures. And while the challenges can feel overwhelming, from budget blowouts to building defects, the path forward is rarely dramatic. It’s incremental.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
-Clearer communication: Replacing reactive emails with proactive updates.
-Smarter budgeting: Helping committees understand long-term maintenance planning.
-Conflict resolution: Facilitating respectful dialogue between neighbours.
-Transparency: Making sure owners know where their levies go – and why.
These aren’t flashy changes. But they’re the kind that stick.
What Makes Bettr Different?
At Bettr, we don’t just manage buildings – we build trust.
We don’t just send agendas – we facilitate outcomes.
We don’t just tick boxes – we challenge the status quo.
Every building is a community. Every owner deserves clarity. Every committee deserves support.
We’re not here to be the biggest. We’re here to be the most effective, one building, one conversation, one resolution at a time.
Turning Around a Fractured Committee
Earlier this year, we took on a building in Sydney’s Inner West that had been through three strata managers in four years. The committee was fractured, meetings were tense, and major repairs had stalled due to infighting.
Here’s how we helped – little by little:
-Week 1: We met with the strata committee to understand their concerns and wants for the owners corporation. It was more of a forum than a meeting, but honest and robust conversations were had for the “first time in years,” and the committee left the meeting all the better for it.
-Month 1: We introduced a shared digital workspace for documents, quotes, and agendas — reducing email clutter and confusion.
-Month 2: We facilitated a workshop on roles and responsibilities under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, helping members understand their legal obligations and powers.
-Month 3: We helped the committee pass a motion to engage a building consultant, unlocking progress on long-delayed waterproofing works.
Today, the committee is functioning as a team. Meetings are productive. Owners feel informed. And the building is finally on track with common property maintenance, with a clear budget and timeline.
“Bettr helped us move from reactive chaos to proactive planning. We finally feel like we’re in control of our building again.”
– Susan, Committee Chairperson, Inner West
Coastal Complex Reboot
A coastal building was struggling with water ingress, rising insurance premiums, and committee burnout. Within six months, Bettr:
- Renegotiated the insurance policy, saving the owners corporation over $18,000.
- Engaged engineers to assess and prioritise waterproofing works.
- Helped the committee secure funding through a special levy with full owner support.
- Rebuilt trust between committee members through structured communication and shared goals.
The building is now on track for long-term repairs, and the committee is stronger than ever.
Our relationships with brokers and insurers are built on honesty, transparency, and shared purpose. We don’t take commissions, not because others necessarily do, but because we choose to work differently.
Our focus is on outcomes that genuinely serve the owners corporation. Whether the result is favourable or challenging, it’s real. It’s earned. And it’s always in the best interest of the building and its people.
We work hard to ensure that every quote, every renewal, and every claim reflects the true needs of the community – not hidden incentives. That’s the Bettr way.
From Chaos to Clarity
The last few years have tested me, legally, emotionally, and professionally. But through it all, the vision for Bettr stayed clear: to build something that serves people better.
The Oasis concert reminded me that even in chaos, there’s space for joy. That’s the energy I bring into every building we manage. We don’t just fix problems. We help people feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Final Thought
Strata isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people. And people thrive when they feel supported.
At Bettr, we don’t promise perfection. We promise progress.
Little by little, we help communities become stronger, fairer, and more connected.
Call to Action
Ready to make your building Bettr?
Whether you’re a frustrated committee member or a curious owner, we’re here to help – little by little.
📩 Reach out for a free consultation
💬 Share your strata story with us
Yours in strata,
JM