Australia is lucky to be one of the most multicultural countries in the world, with over 29% of our population born overseas, and 48% with a parent born overseas (Australian Human Rights Commission). This is reflected in our local communities. As urban populations grow and change, strata communities often become microcosms of our broader multicultural landscape. These communities bring together people from various backgrounds, ages, and life experiences, all sharing common spaces and responsibilities.
This highlights the importance of an inclusive community. For residents, it means a more satisfying living experience, where their unique needs and perspectives are respected, and they are more likely to put down roots. For strata body corporate managers and committees, it translates to more productive meetings, smoother decision-making processes, fewer conflicts, and reduced turnover. Plus, inclusive communities tend to be more adaptable to change and better equipped to face challenges collectively.
How MBCM fosters inclusive living
At MBCM, community is important to us. Our priority lies in building and maintaining strong relationships with and between residents and owners. A big part of this is ensuring we can create an inclusive community where everyone feels valued, welcome, and heard.
Here are some of the ways we do this.
Catering to individual needs and preference
Catering to individual needs and preferences is at the heart of effective strata management, a principle that MBCM embodies in our approach to community building.
To us, the key to understanding diverse resident needs often lies in personal connections forged over time. Annual General Meetings (AGMs) serve as invaluable opportunities for our managers to engage directly with residents, observing and learning about the unique personalities that make up each community. This personalised approach allows us to go beyond surface-level interactions, uncovering nuances such as cultural sensitivities, accessibility requirements, and communication preferences that might otherwise go unnoticed.
By actively listening and engaging with residents during these gatherings, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of the varied perspectives within the strata. This accumulated knowledge enables us to tailor our management strategies, ensuring that decisions and initiatives resonate with the diverse makeup of the resident population. Building these relationships is an ongoing process that requires patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in the well-being of all community members.
Ensuring accessible communication
With the diverse nature of strata communities, accessible communication is an important part of fostering inclusivity.
When it comes to language barriers, we leverage the multilingual skills of our team to communicate effectively with residents from various cultural backgrounds. Otherwise, we’ll use tools like Google Translate during meetings, fostering an environment where language differences don’t hinder participation. For written communications, we’ll use AI-powered translation tools like ChatGPT.
This comprehensive strategy ensures that all community members, regardless of their cultural background or language proficiency, have equal access to important information and can actively engage in community matters. This not only facilitates better understanding among residents but also cultivates a more connected and harmonious strata community.
Encouraging participation
A thriving strata community relies on active participation from all its members, and we’ve developed effective strategies to engage even the most reticent residents.
Recognising the power of gentle reminders, we’ll send timely SMS notifications about upcoming meetings and events. This ensures information reaches residents directly, increasing the likelihood of participation from those who might otherwise overlook traditional announcements.
Beyond meetings, we actively support and facilitate community-building events that foster connection and engagement. For example, we organise tenant gatherings for a group morning tea where people can get to know each other. We’ve found that these social gatherings not only increase community cohesion but also encourage more active participation in formal strata matters. Residents who feel connected to their neighbours are more likely to engage in decision-making processes and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
Catering to age demographics
Our commitment to inclusivity extends to addressing the diverse needs of different age groups within the community.
Recognising that one size doesn’t fit all, we offer a range of communication channels, from traditional letters to emails and SMS. We also offer hybrid meeting options that combine in-person and online attendance. This flexible approach caters to the preferences of both tech-savvy younger residents and older community members who may prefer face-to-face interactions or have mobility concerns.
By providing these varied options, we can make sure that age is not a barrier to participation, fostering a community where every voice can be heard regardless of technological proficiency or physical limitations.
Inclusivity initiatives
Creating group initiatives and activities is a fantastic way to help people feel involved.
For example, Vanessa Bucci from MBCM Ringwood and Bayswater has previously organised a community planting project, offering to meet owners onsite to encourage participation. Recognising that not all residents could attend in person, she encouraged them to submit their ideas and thoughts via email. This helped every voice be heard, regardless of individual circumstances.
Our commitment to inclusivity also extends to our decision-making processes. We prioritise transparency by distributing all information, including committee minutes, to every owner. This practice ensures that all residents have equal access to information and can understand the ongoing developments in their community. Looking ahead, we’re exploring the implementation of an online portal to further enhance information sharing and accessibility.
We also believe in the power of feedback to drive inclusivity. By tailoring our meetings and communication methods based on resident input, we continually adapt our approach to meet the evolving needs of our diverse communities.
Help us build inclusive strata communities
By partnering with MBCM as your strata specialist, you can be part of our mission to create inclusive strata communities. Experience the difference of satisfied, involved, and valued residents who take pride in where and how they live. Find out more about how we can help.
