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Written by Daryl Hartman – Senior Strata Manager – Empire Estate Agents
Humans are innately social creatures. And during these strange times of isolation and social distancing, it’s easy to feel alone. While family and friends seem further away than ever, there is one group of people who are as close as they’ve always been: your neighbours.
Building up your strata community is simple. We’ve put together a list of ways you can help develop a sense of togetherness during this period of uncertainty –starting with the easiest…
Check-in Haven’t seen the elderly couple next door for a few days? If you’re worried, knock on their door. Now more than ever we need to check in on our older neighbours and friends to make sure they are safe and healthy. Plus, you never know, a socially distanced visit might make their day!
Letterbox Drops Relationships Australia has created this handy template – print it out, fill it in, and drop it off in your neighbours’ letterboxes to offer assistance. It’s a fantastic way to show you care.
Care Packages Leaving a bundle of basics at their front door is a sweet gesture and one that will definitely be appreciated. Canned food, handwash, maybe a bottle of wine and some toilet paper, will definitely earn you some good karma.
Cleaning Common Areas Shared spaces in strata complexes are usually maintained by a contracted company. But for areas and surfaces that are frequently used, like doorhandles and access keypads, a set of antibacterial wipes or sanitiser readily available for wipe downs is a great idea. If not already implemented, why not be the Everyday Hero and leave these items out for communal use?
Connecting During Isolation and Distancing Phone calls and Zoom parties just aren’t the same as real human contact….from a safe distance of course.
Social gatherings aren’t totally out of the equation. Make the most of living in a strata complex, and hold a get-together with the neighbours. Here are some safe ways to get social…
The Driveway Party Perfect for strata complexes with shared driveways, like townhouses and villas. Everyone brings their own food, drinks and furniture…it’s a fun, relaxing evening outside –and a great way to get to know the folks next door. Plus, people can look forward to getting out of the house…even if it’s only to the end of their driveway.
Balcony Concerts Inspired by the musical folk in Italy, we’ve seen a number of balcony parties hitting it off here in Australia. Bring the trend to your strata complex: this evening, settle in with a drink and play some tunes from the balcony while you chat to the person next door. (Bonus points if you can play an instrument.) Just make sure everyone is on board first
Outdoor dining This one doesn’t have to be social, it’s just a nice way to get out of the confines of the house. Grab your partner/housemate/dog and enjoy a nice dinner outside.
Strata Community Groups If your Strata community doesn’t have a Facebook Group, WhatsApp Group or something similar setup, then get one organised. Many of the strata communities we manage have groups and share funny things from their day, an offer to pick up groceries and the latest updates on what is happening on and around your strata community.
We Are All in this Together Remember, everyone is in the same boat. Isolation and social distancing is hard, but having a community –like that of a strata complex – can make things that little bit brighter.
So if you haven’t already, now might be a great time to reach out. If you want to know more, give us a call, we would love to hear from you on how our strata communities can become ‘better communities’ through this.
Be kind to your neighbours….and wash your hands.
About the Author
Daryl Hartman has been in the real estate and strata industry for over 20 years and is part of the Empire Perth Strata Management Team. As a Strata Manager at the Empire office in Victoria Park, Daryl has a diverse set of skills, liaising and assisting Lot owners and the care of the common area and strata complex. Daryl works closely with the council of owners, lot owners and managing agents of the strata complexes they manage in Perth to ensure that they are satisfied with how the complex is managed.
Need more information or can we help you with any other of your Strata Management questions? Feel free to call and speak to the team at Empire Estate Agents to have a chat on (08) 9262 0400 or email jhorner@empireestateagents.com or visit www.empireestateagents.com
“Everyday heroes…going beyond”