Ordinary Committee Member: How to become extraordinary
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When people think about a body corporate committee, most attention is usually given to the chairperson, secretary, or treasurer. However, ordinary committee members play an equally important role in the successful management of a community titles scheme.
In body corporate committees, ‘ordinary members’ are the non-executive members of the committee. While they may not hold a specific office-bearing position, they are still responsible for contributing to decisions that affect the scheme, its finances, maintenance, and the overall living environment for owners and residents.
For many owners, joining the committee is an opportunity to have a voice in how their property is managed and to contribute positively to their community.
What Does an Ordinary Committee Member Do?
At its core, the role of an ordinary committee member is to participate in decision-making on behalf of the body corporate.
Committee members help make decisions about:
- Building maintenance and repairs
- Contractor and supplier approvals
- Improvements to common property
- Budgeting and spending
- Community concerns and resident issues
- Compliance with body corporate legislation and by-laws
- Planning for future works and upgrades
Committee decisions are generally made by majority vote, which means the participation of every committee member is important.
Participation Is the Most Important Responsibility
The effectiveness of a committee often comes down to one simple thing: participation.
Committee members are expected to:
- Attend committee meetings where possible
- Review meeting agendas and documents
- Vote on motions and decisions
- Respond within required timeframes
- Engage respectfully in discussions
A lack of participation can slow down decision-making and make it difficult for the committee to function efficiently.
For example, decisions made outside a committee meeting often require a majority of all voting committee members to approve a motion. If members do not respond, even straightforward decisions can be delayed.
Modern body corporate management practices often make participation easier through:
- Electronic voting
- Email correspondence
- Teleconference or video meetings
- Online meeting platforms
These tools help committee members stay involved even when they cannot attend in person.
Diverse Perspectives Strengthen Committees
Strong body corporate committees benefit from having members with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
A balanced committee may include:
- Owner occupiers
- Investors
- Long-term residents
- New owners
- People with professional expertise in finance, law, construction, or management
Different viewpoints often lead to better decision-making and more balanced outcomes for the community as a whole.
Respectful communication is also essential. Committee members are volunteers, and constructive discussion is an important part of maintaining a positive and productive committee culture.
Key Takeaways for Ordinary Committee Members
Ordinary committee members are an essential part of every body corporate committee. While office bearers may have additional administrative responsibilities, all committee members contribute equally to committee decisions.
Successful committee members generally:
- Participate consistently
- Communicate respectfully
- Review information carefully
- Contribute ideas and feedback
- Support practical and informed decision-making
- Work collaboratively with other committee members and advisors
An engaged and proactive committee can make a significant difference to the operation, maintenance, and long-term success of a body corporate community.
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