“soar
verb
To soar means more than just to fly: it means to rise swiftly, to feel the wind slipping below you as you ride it higher, higher, higher. Flying is just moving through the air. Soaring, though, suggests exhilaration even joy.

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At SOAR we are facilitating a new model in the building industry where the needs of multiple owners can be practically expressed and defended. We seek a model where strata owners are able to exercise choice, capacity and responsibility and be rewarded with significant capital growth, reduced maintenance costs and better buildings.

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CHRISTINE SMETSERS

I initiated and have been running the largest owner-led strata redevelopment project in Australia delivering capital growth conservatively estimated at 75% increase on the post DA unit price and rental income. I have pioneered the model of redevelopment of older buildings by owners rather than developers.  I have led the way in allowing owners to retain and grow the value of their properties while allowing the safeguarding of declining buildings for the next generation.  

I have been involved in property and building for many years including leading the construction and profitable management of Student Housing Properties for UTS, having responsibility for capital funding of crisis accommodation in NSW, I advised Government as a member of the Ministry of Housing Planning and Urban affairs and sat on Ministerial advisory committees and the Joint Officer Groups responsible for funding 1000’s of building projects.    I was appointed as the Independent Chairperson of Wentworth Area Community Housing Scheme that had around 600 properties. I led the review and strategy to turnaround the service. They currently manage over 2200 properties.

I set up my own consultancy 20 years ago.   Smetsers and Associates are management consultants and corporate trainers. I am a Director of Sodashi, a leading Australia Skin care and spa product brand servicing leading spas and hotels throughout the world.

I seek to achieve a practical result that reflects the needs and concerns of stakeholders.  I have demonstrated an ability to communicate the need for change in the face of fear and opposition while protecting the interests of all affected.  I have sought and achieved solutions that are equitable and accessible for a wide range of owners.

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ADRIAN SMETSERS

I began my working life labouring for my father on building sites. Working for SOAR has brought me full circle back to building. I am driven by the idea that I can contribute to building and delivering tangible, valuable and high quality results to SOAR’s clients.

My experience includes practice as a lawyer in property and mining law.  I also have experience operating a hospitality and events management business. I am Company Secretary of Sodashi, a leading Australian spa brand. I am currently completing a degree in Construction Management. I believe a combination of legal and technical construction knowledge will allow me to seek the best outcomes for SOAR’s clients.

As a Principal at Smetsers and Associates for 10 years my role has included legislative compliance, corporate governance, negotiation, litigation, sale and due diligence processes, negotiation and effective communication strategies.  In addition, I advise on strategy, shareholder engagement, recruitment, performance and issue management.  I have been involved in numerous successful mergers and acquisitions.