Seminar series Program

We’re bringing together an amazing selection of owners corporation committee members and experts to tell their stories, share knowledge and answer your questions. In response to feedback from the 2024 Expo, this year we’ve programmed more time for your questions.

You don’t need to book for the Seminar Sessions, seats will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Sessions 1 & 2: 10:30 -11:30 aM

Session 1: Condell Room

Solar upgrades: from idea to implementation

Selecting the right technology is just one part of installing solar on your apartment building. Governance, communication, funding and tech all need to line up. Hear how it's done, with presentations by experts and owners corporations who've successfully installed solar systems of their own.

Speakers:

  • Host: Zoe McMaster, Behaviour Change expert and OC committee member

  • The James St OC Committee speak about their successful solar install

  • Ash Sayers, Director, Keystone Strata Group

  • More speakers announced soon

Session 2: Hoddle Room

City of Melbourne’s Apartment Offerings

Live in the City of Melbourne? Learn about the City's programs and services for apartment owners and OCs — resilience, greening, energy, waste — direct from council staff. Find out what's available and who to talk to.

Speakers:

  • To be announced soon

Sessions 3 & 4: 12:30 -1:30 PM

Session 3: Condell Room

The transition to all-electric

For most apartment buildings, upgrading to all-electric isn't a switch, it's a staged transition. Hear from experts, installers and owners corporations on how to plan for electrification: where to start, sequencing, common challenges, governance and real-world examples.

Speakers:

  • Host: Rachael Wilkinson, Senior Advisor, Energy Efficiency Council and OC committee member

  • Trent Jones, Founder and Managing Director, All Electric Homes, currently working on apartment energy upgrade programs in Yarra and Port Phillip

  • Dr Janette Corcoran (PhD), OCN Board Director & Social Economist

  • More speakers to be announced soon

Session 4: Hoddle Room

Your apartment, your health

There's a link between energy use and wellbeing. Too hot, too cold, damp or poorly ventilated homes can affect respiratory health, cognition and general wellbeing. Get an update on the latest research, then find out what you can do in your own apartment, from low-cost DIY fixes to larger professional upgrades.

Speakers:

  • Host: Claire Bowles, Purpose Director, i2C Architects

  • Dr Pippa Soccio, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO

  • Maurice Beinat, Technical Director, ecoMaster

Sessions 5 & 6: 2:30 -3:30 PM

Session 5: Condell Room

EV charging: options and challenges and process

Find out about the new EV-ready guide for owners corporations and hear real-world accounts of charging upgrades already underway. Understand your options — from trickle to fast charging — how to match technology to your building's needs and budget, and the governance process to get a project approved.

Speakers:

  • Host: Bruce Thompson, Executive Director, Thompillai & Advisory Panel Member, ARENA

  • Julie McLean, Strata Community Association (Vic) Honorary Fellow, Strata Advocate and Trainer

  • Supplier Showcase stallholders: Ready Steady Plug and Combined Energy

  • More speakers to be announced soon

Session 6: Hoddle Room

Cracking the code on apartment waste

Waste and recycling in apartment buildings can be tricky. Whether you're new to this topic or are actively making improvements in your building, this session is for you. Find out about current policy, programs, and what's on the horizon. See what best practice looks like in real buildings, then learn about the conversations you can have with your building manager or owners corporation to drive improvements.

Speakers:

  • Host: Paul Wheelan, Zero Carbon Operations Lead, City of Melbourne

  • Ben McMenamin, Senior Zero Waste Engagement Officer, City of Melbourne

  • Annaliese Lawry, General Manager, Reground