Events

One of the most important aspects of OCN membership is the opportunity to network with other members and learn from experts and peers about the big issues that concern strata owners.

OCN organises regular events throughout the year featuring guest speakers on key topics, as well as twice-yearly member meetings including the Annual General Meeting.

We also host webinars, seminars and conferences, and to ensure they are accessible to everyone regardless of time and distance, most of these are recorded and the content made available online for members only.

High water mark: the new waterproofing requirements explained

Tuesday 27 May 2025 12pm – 1pm AEST

The National Construction Code 2025 brings more stringent requirements for “water shedding” otherwise referred to as a focus on the need to ‘collect, direct and drain’ water away from habitable areas.

Unfortunately, new rules often cause confusion amongst sections of the industry, and these are no exception. It may take some time to clear the fog.

Join our next webinar where Ross Taylor, a specialist waterproofing consultant and Stan Giaouris, a building and construction consultant will explain the changes in plain English and bust the myths.

Register here

Committee rights and responsibilities

Thursday 17 April 2025 12pm – 1pm AEST

We covered the proposed mandatory training, what it looks like and what it means for you and your community. Plus we shared insights into what’s happening in Victoria and Queensland

Speakers included:

• James Blake, Partner, Chambers Russell
• Chris Irons, Strata Solve and OCN Qld Director
• Dr Janette Corcoran, OCN Vic Director
• David Glover, Building Chair and OCN Director

Slides can be downloaded here

Catch the recording here

Recording is only available for members, so why not join?

Brand new NSW Solar grant program for apartment buildings

Thursday 20 March 2025

The NSW Government have just opened up applications for the grants, which provides up to 50/50 funding of the cost of a shared solar photovoltaic (PV) system on eligible apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings in NSW. This will help residents, including renters, to reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

Owners Corporations can apply now for funding to install shared solar systems on your apartment building, which will add value to homes and help residents save on their electricity bills

At this free webinar we explained new NSW Solar grant program for apartment buildings.

Speakers included:

• James Balzer, Senior Project Officer DCCEEW provided an overview of the NSW Solar Scheme
• Jeff Sykes. Solar Choice explained Feasibility processes and case studies
• Will Anstee, Allume Energy explained SolShare overview and case studies.
• Gemma Davey, Lannock Strata Finance will be on hand to explain the newly released green strata loan product for residential strata properties
• Fred Tuckwell, Chair of OCN moderated

The slides can be downloaded here

Click to view the recording (members only)

Recording is only available for members, so why not join?

Project remediate update: Who to call and how to get a good outcome for your building

Thursday 20 February 2025

The importance of Project Remediate can’t be understated but the costs of remedial work can cause owners to defer or delay

While the NSW Government Project Remediate program for replacing combustible cladding is well under way, removing defective cladding is a national issue that will save lives and give insurers confidence to cover your building.

Did you know there are solutions that can save Owners Corporations tens of thousands of dollars?

Our speakers included Ben Hughes-Brown – Fire Engineer at Vortex Fire,
Clint Gavin – Network Architectural, Gemma Davey, Lannock Strata Finance, and Fred Tuckwell – Owner and Chair of OCN

The slides can be downloaded here

Click to view the recording (members only)

Recording is only available for members, so why not join?

This webinar has been postponed – stay tuned for a new date:

Tired of Strata Negativity? What good looks like

Thursday 21st November 2024

With the right guidance from a good strata manager and a good building manager, strata living can be a fulfilling experience.

This webinar called on Ben Mees, BMA (building manager), Michael Price (strata manager) and David Glover (OCN Director and resident/chair) who shared their insights.

We covered:

• the role of a building manager and how they contribute to a well-maintained building.
• the role of your Strata Manager:
• misconceptions about who does what:
• the benefits and drawbacks of hands-on involvement in your strata community.

The slides can be downloaded here

Click to view the recording (members only)

Recording is only available for members, so why not join?

Your legal rights in Strata

Thursday 15th August 2024

Justin Abi-Daher, Marrickville Legal Centre and Sarah Burke, Seniors Rights Service presented on how to learn how to optimise your outcomes and know your rights

This webinar covered:

• the NSW Strata legislative scheme and related Acts and regulations
• who’s in strata?
• By laws – validity, enforcement, short term lettings
• Repairs – S106 statutory duty to repair common property, limitation period, preparation for NCAT
• Renovation – major vs minor renovations
• contributions and levies
• dispute resolution – OFT NCAT case law

Recording can be viewed here (members only)

Recording is only available for members, so why not join?

Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) Act and related regulation and its impact on strata building remedial works
Tuesday 23 July 2024

Deb Lockart of RHM Consultants and Helen Kowal of Swaab Lawyers delivered their presentation on the DBP and related regulation of the remedial industry.

They shared their achievements, consultation outcomes and insights, noting the significant milestones that have been achieved through the remedial government consultation process

The slides are only available to members. Click here to view

You can view the recording here

Slides are only available for members, so why not join?

How to live better in Strata – new builds and new beginnings

Thursday 20 June 2024

Speakers included: iCIRT, Resilience and OCN

We covered our”Learn Strata” resources – for anyone new to strata or just interested in living better in Strata

Along with:

• How the iCIRT star-rating system exists to give owners access to building professionals with a proven track record of delivering buildings you can trust.
• What is Latent Defects Insurance, and who benefits?
• The importance fo your first AGM

View the slides and see the Q&A here

View the recording (members only)

Recording is only available for members, so why not join?

 Water Leaks and the financial impact of water damage on your building

Thursday 16th May 2024

Water leaks often have a detrimental impact on the amenity of residents, as well as contributing to many other building related problems such as concrete spalling and mould.

We covered remedial repairs including the use of energy efficient ventilation, anti mould paints and the importance of financial planning, as well as case studies and how you can get on top of this costly problem

View the slides

View the recording (members only)

Speakers included: Danrae and Haymes Paints

Recording is only available for members, so why not join?

VIEW PAST EVENTS & RECORDINGS – MEMBERS ONLY ACCESS