Civium’s owners portal is changing the way strata buildings operate in Canberra. Photo: Civium.
Every Canberran living in an apartment knows what it’s like to sit on hold with their strata manager for far too long.
The number of strata buildings in the capital is expected to rise as the population grows, despite a growing shortage of experienced managers to oversee them.
The result? Owners and tenants are frustrated across the board and are calling out for something to shift.
Gareth Halverson heads up sales and marketing for Civium. He says management expectations for strata buildings are higher than ever, but they probably won’t be met unless the local industry changes its operating practices.
“Apartments and townhouse complexes aren’t just getting bigger. They’re also being built with more amenities and complex infrastructure,” he says.
“Developments like these can be a challenge to manage, and when staff aren’t properly equipped, residents suffer as well.”
The problem has plagued the industry for years, but Civium is determined to fix it.
The company turned to technology, creating an in-house online owners portal to boost efficiency for owners, residents, and managers alike.
‘C-Hub’ was first introduced in 2016, built in-house by a team of full-time Civium developers. With continued improvements since its launch, the portal now stands as a real game-changer.
“C-Hub helps committee members and residents ‘self-serve’ online for general questions and admin,” Gareth says.
“It’s similar to how modern banks let you check your balance and make transfers online, instead of waiting in line for a teller.
“Wait times are shorter, communication is clearer, and problems are solved more effectively.”
The site significantly reduces strain on Civium’s staff, allowing them to spend more time on complex issues and smooth out what was a frustrating experience for everyone involved.
Gareth is keen to see C-Hub streamline management of strata buildings on all sides. Photo: Civium.
While Civium developed the portal with strata managers and owner committees in mind, tenants haven’t been forgotten either.
C-Hub keeps important contact details readily available and informs residents about maintenance, repairs, or disruptions to the building.
The site’s most important feature, though, is the way it connects strata communities with their managers.
“Owner committees can use discussion threads to share ideas and assign tasks to Civium staff,” Gareth says.
“They can also manage defects, maintenance and insurance, pay levies, upload and store important documents, generate reports, and access live financial data for specific investments.”
Education is the final puzzle piece.
Strata owners can utilise C-Hub to learn about the industry, discover ways to contribute to smooth operations, and stay informed about their obligations.
“Our sector changes rapidly and often,” Gareth says.
“We passionately support the drive for increased transparency and education for our owners. C-Hub’s evolution is yet another important step towards ensuring this for all our clientele.”
For more information, visit Civium: Owners Portal.
