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ABOUT GODDARD AND CO
 Stephen Goddard is the Chair of Owners Corporation Network (OCN) and has over 30 years experience as a lawyer. His practice provides general advice to specific client bases – specialising in land rights and strata schemes. The skill set Stephen acquired from service delivery to Land Councils applies equally to his role in problem solving for those wrestling with the issues of strata living. Providing legal services to the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Movement for 25 years has delivered Stephen a bank of professional experience in not only all areas of law affecting people, but also distilled in him the art of empathic listening - hearing the "important" and understanding what is "not being said". These skills are critical for delivery of meaningful outcomes to those in any community-based environment. Stephen firmly believes in facilitating discussion, leading to practical, applicable outcomes as a means of ensuring his clients needs are met. Stephen’s commitment to the ongoing improvement of “living in” or “investing in” strata buildings is exemplified in his role as Chairman of the OCN - the only community based representative body for owners in strata schemes. Stephen lobbies for necessary changes to Government policy and legislation, and sits on various Government and industry boards and panels to present the views of the OCN to those in power. |
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OCN
The OCN gives members a voice at both State and Federal level about Government policy and legislation in the area of apartment-living, and a chance to forward their views on problems, solutions and the kind of future that, as apartment-owners, we would all like to see. It also gives members access to fellow members' experience in areas like defects rectification, strata disputes, shared services, and levy management through regular meetings and an on-line discussion group for asking questions and sharing information. These resources may save members thousands of dollars and an immense amount of heartache in the long run!
The keynote achievements of OCN since incorporation can be listed as:
- Causing the NSW Government to convene the Joint Select Committee on the Quality of Buildings;
- Deliver public awareness to the issue of private certification and building defects;
- Legislative change recognising “large strata schemes”
- Legislative change requiring the circulation of minutes and agendas;
- Creating awareness for Sinking Fund Plans
- Causing developers to have a legislative obligation to delver “as built” plans and drawings to the Owners Corporation
- Creating public awareness about strata issues – short term tenancy abuse of common property
- Public Seminar program to assist in good governance of strata schemes
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