Foyer Upgrade

A great deal of work has been done on the foyer upgrade project since it was approved last November.

The design of the overall layout of the new foyer has been completed but some design details are still to be finalised subject to keeping the project within budget.

The project is out for tender with three builders who have expressed interest in the works and we expect to be in a position to review the quotes and select the builder some time in May.

The builders have been asked to provide prices as well as plans for how the foyer will operate whilst the alterations are being made. We are particularly interested in maintaining the security of the foyer and minimising inconvenience to residents whilst the works are being carried out.

Project design and specifications will not be finalised until after we review the quotes so we know the design can be built within budget. It is possible that details of the current design will be changed if the project quotes are greater than expected.

As soon as we have a final design, we will make the drawings available on www.aurora.org.au as well as place them in the foyer.

At this stage we have enough design detail to obtain the permits needed to commence the project and so we have appointed a building surveyor to obtain those permits.

It is hoped that building works will start some time in June or July, subject to the availability of preferred builder. We expect the works will take about 60 days.

Garden

Late last year we planted Sir Walter buffalo grass which is a drought resistant turf in the south west corner of our front garden. The grass has taken well and appears to be an improvement over the original grass variety. The appearance of the new turf will be monitored over the coming months and we will consider replanting all the grass areas if the new variety continues to thrive.

The drip feed system has been expanded to include the area under the north and south Ficus stands in the front garden.

Aurora’s gardens like so many others didn’t escape February’s Black Saturday unscathed. Overall our gardens fared very well, however some plants were severely burned and will require replacement.

The water tanks collecting water flowing from the south side of the building have served us well over the summer and we will consider adding another set to collect water flowing from the north side of the building.

We would like to thank those of you who volunteered for the hand watering of our gardens over the last 4 months.

Balustrade Refurbishment


The work required to refurbish the balustrades is almost finished and will be completed within our budget.

A reminder to all residents that balconies are not to be used as storage spaces.

High winds make any light weight objects extremely hazardous and similarly please ensure that cigarette butts remain on your own balconies.

Another reminder that dogs must be on leads at all times when on common property. Common property includes all lobby levels, the front foyer and gardens as well as car parks.

Building Inspection


In September of this year, the warranty on the glass panels in the skin of the building will expire. With that date in mind your Committee will be arranging for a complete inspection of the skin of the building to be conducted within the next three months.

Gym Refurbishment


In recent months, the walls of the gym have been repainted and a set of free weights and a mirror have been installed at the northern end of the gym.

Various signs which were removed from the gym when the walls were painted and will be revised and re-installed in the next few weeks.

Concierge Responsibilities for Keys

The duties of the Concierges do not include taking care of apartment keys when tenants vacate the building.

Your Committee is particularly concerned that some owners are asking vacating tenants to leave apartment keys with the Concierge for handover to new tenants, or prospective new tenants who are inspecting the apartment or to real estate agents who may be showing the vacant apartment.

The task of taking responsibility for keys when an apartment is empty is the job of a real estate agent or the apartment owner, not our Concierges.

The Concierges have been instructed not to accept keys when tenants leave the building.

This instruction does not apply when an owner/resident wants to give apartment access to a guest or tradesman or service person and leaves keys with the Concierge for that purpose.

Please remember, however, that the Concierge does not accept any liability in this situation and all risks remain with the owner/resident.

Resignation of Dean Whelan

Due to an increase in his family commitments, Dean Whelan has tendered his resignation as a member of the Aurora Owners Corporation Committee. The rest of the Committee would like to thank Dean for his contribution.

AURORA OWNERS CORPORATE COMMITTEE