Presenter Dave Marshall with Vantage Strata Director of Business Development Chris Miller at the Strata Community Australasia Awards, where Vantage took out the Environmental, Social and Community Impact Award. Photo: SCA.
The ACT punched above its weight at this year’s Strata Community Australasia Awards, with two ACT-based strata firms recognised for innovation, wellbeing and service excellence.
Canberra businesses Vantage Strata and LJ Hooker Strata ACT walked away with major national honours on the night.
Vantage Strata was awarded the Environmental, Social and Community Impact Award in recognition of its forward-thinking approach to staff wellbeing, including a ground-breaking partnership with local health-tech startup CU Health.
The program offers employees access to a full suite of healthcare services — including GPs, psychologists, career coaches and dieticians — all tailored to the specific pressures of the strata industry.
“Like many businesses, we have busy periods which can place significant stress on our high-performing and dedicated staff,” Vantage Strata CEO Rupert Cullen said.
“Our goal was to enhance the well-being and mental health of our employees with a customised health care program developed specifically for the needs of our staff.
“The results have included a marked increase in staff morale and job satisfaction, and an associated decrease in staff turnover. It has also improved our team’s motivation and resilience.”
Presenter Tim McKenzie with LJ Hooker’s Timothy Maly, Pascal Deschanel and Madeline Tett. Photo: SCA.
LJ Hooker Strata ACT also claimed a national title, winning the Strata Community Management Medium Business Award for its forward-looking operations and commitment to professional development.
Beating out top contenders from across Australia, LJ Hooker impressed judges with a people-first approach and investment in upskilling staff in an increasingly complex industry.
Mr Cullen said the combined success of the two ACT firms spoke to the territory’s growing influence in the national strata sector — one driven by collaboration, innovation and a genuine commitment to doing business better.
“The ACT might only be small in size, but we are definitely looming large on the national stage,” he said.
“What sets Canberra firms apart is our determination to lift each other and our fellow businesses.”
The Strata Community Australasia Awards, presented by the Strata Community Association (SCA), are the premier accolades recognising excellence within the strata sector across Australia and New Zealand.
These awards celebrate individuals and organisations that demonstrate outstanding professionalism, innovation and ethical practices in strata management.
