How strata committees can build a strong community culture

Living in a strata community isn’t just about sharing walls, driveways or gardens — it’s about sharing space, responsibility and community with your neighbours. While strata committees are often focused on compliance, budgets and maintenance, one of their most powerful roles is also one of the most overlooked: building a positive community culture.

A strong community culture reduces disputes, improves participation, protects property values and makes strata living more enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how strata committees can actively foster connection, cooperation and goodwill within their schemes.

Why community culture matters in strata

A healthy strata community:

• Has fewer conflicts and formal disputes

• Encourages owners and residents to participate and take responsibility

• Makes meetings more productive and less adversarial

• Improves long-term maintenance outcomes

• Makes people feel proud of where they live

When people feel connected to their building and their neighbours, they are more likely to respect common property, follow by-laws and work collaboratively to solve issues.

1. Create clear and friendly communication

Poor communication is one of the biggest causes of frustration in strata communities.

Committees can improve this by:

• Sending regular newsletters or email updates (quarterly or bi-monthly)

• Explaining decisions in plain language — not just legal or technical terms

• Giving residents advance notice of works, disruptions or changes

• Sharing positive news, not just problems (completed upgrades, community wins)

Transparency builds trust — and trust builds cooperation.

2. Welcome new residents thoughtfully

First impressions matter. A simple welcome process can make new owners or tenants feel included from day one.

Ideas include:

• A welcome email or letter from the committee

• A short “Living in Our Building” guide explaining rules, parking, bins, pets, noise expectations, etc.

• Introducing them to key contacts such as the strata manager or building manager

This reduces confusion and prevents issues before they arise.

3. Encourage participation without pressure

Many strata committees struggle with low engagement. But participation doesn’t always have to mean attending meetings or joining the committee.

Ways to increase involvement:

• Ask residents for feedback through short surveys

• Invite people to working groups for specific projects (gardens, sustainability, social events)

• Rotate committee roles to avoid burnout

• Thank volunteers publicly and acknowledge their contributions

When people feel heard and appreciated, they’re more likely to contribute.

4. Use disputes as an opportunity for better systems

Conflict is inevitable in any shared living environment — but how it’s handled shapes the culture.

Committees can:

• Encourage respectful, informal resolution before escalating issues

• Focus on behaviours and impacts rather than personalities

• Apply rules consistently and fairly

• Seek mediation where appropriate

A calm, fair approach signals that the committee exists to support the community — not police it.

5. Create opportunities for connection

Even small social gestures can dramatically change how people relate to one another.

Consider:

• Annual or seasonal community gatherings (BBQs, coffee mornings, end-of-year drinks)

• Noticeboard shout-outs or community announcements

• Sharing local events or community news relevant to residents

You don’t need to turn your building into a social club — just provide enough opportunity for neighbours to become familiar, not anonymous.

6. Align rules with real-world living

Rules and by-laws are essential, but overly rigid enforcement without context can damage trust.

Committees should:

• Review by-laws regularly to ensure they remain fair, practical and current

• Be open to feedback where rules create unnecessary friction

• Balance enforcement with empathy and common sense

A community-first approach encourages voluntary compliance rather than resistance.

7. Lead by example

Committee members set the tone for the entire building.

Positive leadership looks like:

• Being approachable and respectful

• Listening before reacting

• Acting professionally and consistently

• Communicating clearly and calmly

• Making decisions in the interest of the whole community

Culture is shaped less by policies — and more by behaviour.

Final thoughts

Strong strata communities don’t happen by accident — they are intentionally built through communication, inclusion, fairness and thoughtful leadership.

When committees focus not only on compliance and maintenance, but also on connection and culture, everyone benefits: owners, residents, managers and the long-term health of the property itself.

If your committee would like support improving communication, governance or community engagement within your scheme, Centric Strata is here to help.