🏢 How to Get Elected to Your Strata Council (and Make a Difference!)

First things first - you need to be a lot owner. 

If you’re passionate about your strata community and want to be more involved in the decisions that shape your building’s future, joining the strata council is one of the best ways to do it. Whether it’s improving maintenance standards, helping manage finances, or bringing a fresh perspective, being on the council gives you a voice — and a vote.

Here’s a practical guide to help you get elected and start making a meaningful impact.

1. Understand the Role

Before putting your hand up, take time to understand what a strata council actually does. Council members are volunteers who help make decisions on behalf of all owners — including things like:

• Approving quotes for repairs and maintenance

• Reviewing financials and budgets

• Enforcing by-laws

• Liaising with the strata manager

• Planning for the future (hello, long-term maintenance planning!)

It’s a commitment, but a manageable one — especially if you have a good team and strata manager.

2. Show Interest Before the AGM

Don’t wait until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to express your interest. Instead:

• Attend meetings regularly to stay informed

• Ask questions and engage with your strata manager or current council

• Offer suggestions or assistance with small tasks — this shows initiative and reliability

Building relationships with other owners and showing up consistently makes it more likely that people will support your nomination when the time comes.

3. Know the Nomination Process

Every strata scheme will have its own procedure (guided by legislation), but generally:

• Nominations are made at the AGM or can be submitted to the strata manager beforehand

• You can nominate yourself, or another owner can nominate you (with your consent)

• You must be a lot owner as per the title. Noting that it can be via an entity (if the lot is owned by your business or self-managed super). 
  NOTE for the avoidance of doubt: If you hold EPOA / or you are a relative, etc of the lot owner, then you are not eligible to be a COO member.

• If more people nominate than there are spots, a vote will be held

Tip: Ask your strata manager ahead of the AGM how the nominations will be handled for your scheme.

4. Make Your Case (Briefly!)

At the meeting, if there are more nominees than available positions, you might be asked to introduce yourself and say why you’d like to be elected.

Keep it short, friendly, and relevant. A good elevator pitch might include:

• How long you’ve owned in the scheme

• Your interest in the community

• Any relevant experience (e.g., budgeting, maintenance, legal, community building)

• Your intention to collaborate, listen, and be available

You don’t need to be an expert — just honest, thoughtful, and committed.

5. Be Professional and Positive

Elections can occasionally stir up emotions, especially in areas with a history of conflict. Keep your tone constructive and professional. Don’t campaign by criticising others — that rarely wins hearts. 

Remember that you are there to represent the best interests of all owners. 

Focus on what you want to contribute, not what you think others are doing wrong.

6. Follow Through

If you’re elected — congratulations! 🎉
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make a meaningful contribution. That means:

• Attending meetings

• Reading reports and minutes

• Being responsive and respectful in communications

• Working collaboratively with your fellow council members

• Meeting contractors

• Ensuring that you are across financials

You don’t have to do everything yourself — you just need to represent the owners’ best interests and help make decisions in a fair and transparent way.

Final Thoughts

Being on your strata council isn’t just about governance — it’s about community. It’s a chance to make a real impact, protect your investment, and help create a place where people are proud to call home.

So, if you're thinking about nominating — go for it. Your community needs people like you. 🙌

More info: 

You can read more about being on the Council here→. Page 16 (Councils)

Landgate publication wa-strata-living-guide_november_2023.pdf