The South Australian Government is proposing amendments to the Community and Strata Titles Legislation with the consumer in mind. We believe that the proposed amendments would be of benefit to you – our clients.

Whittles is keeping abreast of the proposed legislation changes and has thoroughly analysed the State Government’s Draft Legislation. We have provided the Government with comments on the benefits and shortfalls of these proposals. Through our submission we have also suggested options that will ensure the amended Bill will remain unit holder and consumer-focused.

Proposed changes to legislation in the Northern Territory will increase the ability of developers to construct more complex designs that are innovative and modern when they incorporate commercial, residential, hotel and retail areas in the same building.

The proposed legislation will see a simple management model implemented to simplify the occupancy of multiple use buildings. The management system will ensure the buildings remain functional and meet the demands of each user group, whether it is retail, residential or commercial. It will further allow for financial modelling and management to be utilised so the unit owners can maximise their input of funds to continue to preserve and maintain the asset.

If you have any queries about the proposed amendments please contact your Body Corporate Manager.

As the live-in building manager of Adelaide’s Air Apartments, Darryl Burgess has one of the city’s most enviable office addresses.

Darryl is dedicated to the daily task of ensuring that the exclusive apartment building is kept in pristine condition and that its residents’ needs are met. He is the one they call if their air conditioning is broken or the spa’s bubbles will not turn off. No task is out of bounds for Darryl.

On call 24 hours a day, Darryl says that 20 per cent of his work is written in his contract and the other 80 per cent is him going beyond the call of duty – by choice.

“I must admit that ever since I have worked at Air I never wake up in the morning thinking I have to go to work,” Darryl said.

“Every day is different and I love what I do.”

Maintenance is a large part of his role whether it is the two swimming pools, spa, private courtyards or extensive intercom system.

“If I can’t do it I am on the phone straight away to get a contractor here as quickly as possible,” he said.
Having a solid relationship with contractors is an important part of Darryl’s job to ensure he can promptly problem-solve.

Darryl started his role when Air Apartments was built in 2005, and because he was there when the engineers were still working on the building he has an extensive knowledge of its internal workings. It is this commitment to great maintenance and management of the building that has the residents and owners appreciating his work.

Whittles is always looking for ways to improve its client services, and has recently launched two new features across Australia.

1) We are ensuring that we are accessible to our clients 24 hours a day, through an emergency service line now launched nationally. There has been considerable success with the after hours line in South Australia, and it is now being implemented by Whittles in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Whittles would always like to resolve any problems, such as a plumbing or electrical emergencies, straight away, relieving the stress for clients and ensuring the issue does not get any worse.

2) We have also launched at a national level the Whittles online payment system. This is all about making clients’ lives a little easier and part of making the Whittles website a one-stop shop, with clients able to pay bills, and keep track of their details and transactions.

Whittles Managing Director, John George, has recently been appointed Chairman of the Australia Cambodia Foundation ‘Sunrise Children’s Villages’.

Sunrise Children’s Villages provides care for hundreds of orphaned and disadvantaged Cambodian children in its two orphanages in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Mr George became involved with the charity when he met Geraldine Cox in 2000 and initially became the Secretary/Treasurer. During his involvement Mr George has been able to offer Whittles’ services in providing office facilities and back-up for the Foundation.

It is Mr George’s belief that every child, no matter their background, deserves an opportunity to succeed. He believes that Sunrise Children’s Villages gives children this chance and this is the driving force behind his commitment to the cause.

Mr George also chairs the Australia Cambodia Foundation Education subcommittee, which currently has five children studying courses in Australia not available in their homeland.

Whittles is excited to roll-out the welcome mat for several key new members of its team.

In the Northern Territory we welcome two new expert managers, Wendy Lewis and Julie Smith, who bring a combined 20 years of experience to Whittles. The office has also appointed Rebecca Malcolm to the position of personal assistant. Welcome to the team!

Whittles’ is proud to expand its expert team and has been busily welcoming the new recruits into the fold.

Whittles has successfully secured the contract for Stage 2A of high-profile project Port Adelaide Newport Quays and is proud to be part of such a successful South Australian development.

Still in SA, we have been working hard to provide up-market body corporate services to the new Tivoli Tower Hotel development and regionally we are also working with the Wallaroo Marina Hotel and Marina Apartments

Over in Queensland we are about to unveil our new software system, which will make life easier for customers. The team has settled into the new office at 15 Carnaby Street, Maroochydore. Why not pay the Sunshine Coast team a visit soon if you haven’t already?