Strata Community Excellence Awards 2025

On Friday, 14 November 2025, the SCA (Vic) Strata Community Excellence Awards Gala Dinner was held at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

The evening is 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 four 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 Strata Community Manager Award and the Support Team Member Award.

Our win in the ‘Support Team Member’ category marks our fifth win in this category, illustrative of our extensive support structure and team approach to managing Owners Corporations. Also, our fifth 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.

FINALIST: Strata Environmental, Social & Community Impact Award

This award recognises sustainable innovation and positive impact within the strata sector, celebrating individuals or businesses that drive initiatives contributing to a greener, fairer, and better world. At The Knight, our commitment to environmental, social, and community impact is embedded in our core business pillars and reflected in tangible actions.

Through Climate Active certification, we rigorously measure and offset our operational emissions, supporting reforestation and indigenous landowner programs in Papua New Guinea. Our Sustainability Committee champions staff engagement, introducing initiatives such as a worm farm and container recycling, while partnering with Reground to deliver sustainability grants for clients.

Social responsibility remains central to our approach, with the successful implementation of our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and cultural training sessions fostering understanding and inclusion. Our Australian Knight campaign in 2025 supported Big Group Hug with a $15,000 donation to assist vulnerable children, complemented by staff volunteering and fundraising efforts for causes like Meals with Impact and mental health awareness.

These initiatives align with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing our belief that business success goes beyond profit – it’s about creating meaningful change for people, communities, and the environment. We are proud of our progress and remain committed to driving positive impact across the strata sector.

RELATED – Our Impact >

WINNER: Support Team Member – Taylor Whitefoot

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.

With eight years at The Knight, including five in client-facing roles, Taylor now serves as People & Culture Manager, bringing frontline experience to every decision. Her approach to customer service, rooted in empathy and understanding, shapes initiatives that strengthen culture and engagement. From introducing milestone celebrations and Values Awards to overhauling recruitment and induction processes, she ensures staff feel supported and set up for success.

Taylor has launched a comprehensive training framework, rolled out a centralised HR system, and spearheaded an incentive scheme that drives collaboration and continuous improvement. Completing her Diploma of Human Resources while working full-time underscores her commitment to growth and excellence.

We are proud to see Taylor recognised for her outstanding contribution and excited for the impact she will continue to make.

WINNER: Strata Community Manager – Mikaela Williams

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

Mikaela exemplifies what it means to deliver exceptional service in Owners Corporation Management. Her approach is built on authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to exceeding expectations. Drawing on five years of hospitality management experience, she brings warmth and relatability to every interaction, fostering trust and transparency while consistently delivering professional, high-quality outcomes.

Her business acumen and innovative thinking are evident in initiatives that improve efficiency and client experience. From trialling new technology platforms and collaborating on AI-driven agenda preparation to creating best-practice meeting templates now used company-wide, she consistently identifies opportunities to streamline processes and strengthen governance. These contributions save time, enhance consistency, and reinforce The Knight’s commitment to excellence.

Dedicated to growth, Mikaela has attended industry forums, completed advanced training, and commenced her Certificate IV in Strata Community Management. She is also actively involved in The Knight’s mentorship program, supporting both her own development and that of junior team members. Her ability to combine professionalism, innovation, and genuine connection sets her apart as a leader in the strata industry.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Mikaela.

FINALIST: Essay Award – Vanessa Fiorelli

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

Vanessa Fiorelli submitted an essay titled “Beyond Administration: The CX Revolution in Owners Corporations” where she examines the evolving role of Owners Corporation Managers, highlighting the growing importance of Customer Experience (CX) in the strata sector. As owner expectations rise and digital tools become standard, strategies focused on transparency, responsiveness, and personalisation are essential for building trust and engagement. By adopting a customer-centric approach, managers can transform OCs from administrative bodies into service-driven organisations prepared for the future.

Congratulations, Vanessa on your nomination in this category.

FINALIST: Essay Award – Daniel Rodoni

FINALIST: Essay Award – Daniel Rodoni

Our second finalist in this category, Daniel submitted an essay titled “The Next Step in a Maturing Industry” exploring how professionalism must evolve as the strata sector grows. With apartment living projected to dominate new housing in Melbourne by 2030, Daniel argues that professionalism should go beyond compliance – embedding transparency, ethics, and service excellence as cultural norms. By leveraging education, technology, and accountability, the industry can transform strata management into a trusted, future-ready profession.

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

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