Ali Millgate meets Wollongong Strata owner Tanya Edwards, an indigenous Woonona businesswoman who is celebrating her company’s first anniversary and its ongoing growth – in spite of Covid.
When Tanya Edwards managed the Wollongong branch of a strata management company, property developers and real estate agents often thought it was her business and would say they would follow her if she ever branched out on her own.
Fast-forward 12 years and in late 2019 Tanya started Wollongong Strata and says she is “exceptionally happy” she did. “I can provide the level of service I want to my clients and make my own rules,” Tanya says.
While Tanya’s 20-plus years in the industry give her an edge, the Woonona resident says it’s her straight talk that seems to resonate with clients and industry professionals. “I like people to be straight with me, so I’m upfront and honest with everyone and I don’t sugarcoat anything. I make sure everybody knows the facts,” Tanya says.
As a strata manager, Tanya is persistent and draws on her experience to make life easier for her owners’ corporations, particularly when it comes to new apartments.
“I make sure I get information when I need it, to ensure a smooth transition from developer to owners’ corporation in a new strata scheme. Simple things make all the difference in a brand-new building.”
Tanya’s focus on service is paying off. Wollongong Strata recently celebrated its first birthday and Tanya now has two staff to help keep up with demand – all in spite of Covid.
“People still live in unit blocks and need to be looked after, whether there’s a pandemic or not.”
100% indigenous
While Tanya was born in Wollongong, Dharawal Country, her family is originally from Wellington, near Mudgee, which makes her a proud Wiradjuri woman – one of the largest mobs in New South Wales.
“My fourth great-grandmother, Diana Mudgee, is quite well known in the region as the first indigenous woman to own land under the Crown. Diana left a great legacy and has many descendants throughout Wiradjuri Country and beyond.”
Today, Tanya is carving out her own legacy: she is a member of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and part of Supply Nation, an organisation committed to social change via a prosperous indigenous business sector.
Locally, Tanya advises the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation on multi-unit housing for indigenous families.
“I try and support the local indigenous community.”
All about people
Perhaps it is little wonder Tanya’s business is thriving: strata living is about people and Tanya is a ‘people person’. Tanya says strata managers need to be empathetic and understanding, in order to help apartment owners navigate life in a small community – often for the first time.
“People need to get along well. My job is to educate owners about what it means to live in a strata scheme. They might come from a house in the suburbs, where you can do what you please, and now they need permission from other owners to put a doormat out. I end up being a liaison person at times.”
Tanya may have had the perfect training ground for a strata manager – she has six children, including five girls – and says having a large family helps her deal with different personalities.
Advice for apartment buyers
Despite a busy home front, Tanya added strata manager to her growing list of qualifications in 2008 and made the move from real estate to strata management. Still a licensed real estate and business agent, Tanya is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to apartments in the Illawarra.
“I often get to experience many of the beautiful properties in Wollongong before anyone else – local developers show me around their completed works. They’re proud of their workmanship.”
Tanya says it’s important to do your research when it comes to buying an apartment and choosing a local developer can be a good idea.
“Local developers live here, and word gets around if you’re not doing good work. They have a reputation to look after in the local community.”
Tanya says defects do happen, however, part 11 of the Strata Schemes Management Act requires developers to now pay a two percent bond, which offers greater protection to owners’ corporations.
“Always do a strata inspection and look at the capital works fund. And the more the building has, the more maintenance it has, so look at the infrastructure. Check out the developer’s website and go and see their other buildings.”
Contact Tanya Edwards on 02 4214 0444, or visit wollongong-strata.com.au
