Strata Community Excellence Awards 2024

On Friday 29 November 2024, the SCA (Vic) Strata Community Excellence Awards Gala Dinner was held.

Hosted at San Remo Ballroom in Carlton North, the evening was a celebration of those who make a significant contribution to the strata industry and community, from Managers to suppliers and everything in between. We would like to send our congratulations to all finalists and nominees in this year’s awards.

The Knight were proud finalists in seven categories this year (click the category to learn more about the award and our nominees):

We are proud to share we came away as winners in two categories at this year’s awards: the Support Team Member Award and the Strata Community Manager Award.

Our win in the ‘Support Team Member’ category marks our fourth win in this category, illustrative of our extensive support structure and team approach to managing Owners Corporations. Also our fourth win in the category, we are proud to take out the ‘Strata Community Manager’ category to reflect our focus on the training & development of our team.

WINNER: Support Team Member – Hannah Kenney

This award recognises a person behind the scenes in a management or supplier business who has made an outstanding contribution to the success of their team.

Hannah joined The Knight in 2022, bringing a background in pharmacy that equipped her to thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused role. In a short time, she became the fastest-promoted Assistant, renowned for her proactive customer service approach. Hannah’s dedication to teamwork and her willingness to go above and beyond has driven her success, from supporting her colleagues to playing a pivotal role in company-wide initiatives. Passionate about education and collaboration, she mentors new Assistants and continuously improves processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency across her team.

We are so proud of Hannah for being recognised for her contributions and excited to see what more she will achieve.

WINNER: Strata Community Manager – Monica Danaci

This award recognises a strata community manager who has demonstrated excellence in customer service, a commitment to professional development, business acumen and innovative ideas.

Monica is a highly skilled and empathetic Owners Corporation Manager, known for her exceptional relationship-building and customer service. With a background in wellness and martial arts, she combines a disciplined approach with emotional intelligence to navigate complex challenges. Monica excels in communication, always prioritising transparency and understanding, which has helped her transform challenging portfolios into highly successful, long-term partnerships. She is committed to continuous professional development and is passionate about making a positive impact, not only within her team but also in the broader strata industry.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Monica.

FINALIST: Strata Environmental, Social & Community Impact Award

This award recognises sustainable innovation in the sector via individuals or businesses that have introduced and driven an initiative(s) – be it innovative products, differentiated services, progressive partnerships, or unique policies and/or processes – that are contributing to a greener, fairer, better world.

At The Knight, our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is reflected in our key achievements. In 2024 we formalised our dedication to reconciliation by receiving endorsement for our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), supported HeartKids through our Australian Knight campaign, donating $15,000 to assist families & communities impacted by Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD). Furthermore, we achieved re-certification as a carbon-neutral business through Climate Active and sponsored the inaugural High Life Expo, focusing on sustainability in strata buildings.

We are proud of what we’ve achieved this past year and will continue to strive to have a positive impact on the broader community.

RELATED – Our Impact >

FINALIST: Strata Community Management Leadership – Melody Dardovski

This award recognises a people leader who has achieved excellent business results through their people.

Melody Dardovski, Senior Owners Corporation Manager and Team Leader at The Knight, exemplifies exceptional leadership. With 18 years of industry experience, she leads by example, focusing on both high standards and team development. Her approach includes fostering an inclusive work environment, prioritising work-life balance, and acting with integrity. Melody is deeply committed to the personal and professional growth of her team, providing coaching and guidance. Her focus on self-care has further enhanced her leadership abilities, enabling her to better support her team while driving positive change within the organisation.

Congratulations on being a finalist in this year’s awards, Melody – we’re so lucky to have you on our leadership team.

FINALIST: Senior Strata Community Manager – Mark Weiler

This award recognises senior strata community managers who have demonstrated deep industry knowledge and specialist expertise, excellence in customer service, a commitment to professional development, business acumen and innovative ideas.

Mark is a Senior Owners Corporation Manager who consistently exceeds client expectations by delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining high professional standards, and fostering strong relationships. With a focus on clear communication and practical solutions, Mark demonstrates strong business acumen and innovation, driving improvements in processes and service delivery. His commitment to professional development is evident through continuous learning and mentorship, Mark’s dedication to customer satisfaction and team empowerment continues to set a high standard in the strata industry.

Congratulations on being a finalist, Mark. You’re an incredible asset to The Knight.

FINALIST: Strata Community Manager Rising Star – Stav Loizides

This category recognises a new entrant to the industry who has shown outstanding progress early in their career.

We were proud to nominate Owners Corporation Manager, Stav Loizides.

Stav is a proactive and empathetic Strata Community Manager who excels in customer service. He focuses on clear communication, understanding client needs, and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented approach. Stav handles challenges with transparency and works to resolve issues efficiently, often turning difficult situations into successful outcomes. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development drives his exceptional service, and he aims to enhance the visibility of strata management, contributing to the industry’s growth and improving client relationships.

Congratulations, Stav on being a finalist in this year’s awards.

FINALIST: Essay Award – Sim Firns

This award recognises an individual who displays a sound understanding of the topic and its relevance to the strata community industry.

Sim Firns submitted an essay titled “Gladiator – Are you ready?” diving into how the Strata Manager role is increasingly demanding, with many facing challenging client interactions that can lead to stress, burnout, and mental health issues. To combat this, Sim highlights that training and support systems are crucial for protecting staff, while educating clients about appropriate behaviour and setting clear expectations can help foster a more respectful and healthier work environment

We are so pleased for Sim to be recognised as a finalist of this category for the third time (also taking out the prize in 2022) and congratulate her for her passion about the industry.