More than two decades of service, mentorship and commitment to regional strata have been recognised, with Tracey Payne of Illawarra Strata named the recipient of the prestigious SCA (NSW) Max Dunn Award at the 2026 SCA (NSW) CHU Strata Community Awards for Excellence.
The Max Dunn Award celebrates an individual who fosters goodwill, comradeship and support among SCA (NSW) members, reflecting the qualities and contribution of Max Dunn.
For anyone who has worked alongside Tracey, those qualities will be familiar.
She is someone who puts her hand up, shares her experience and steps forward time and time again to support others — often without seeking recognition for doing so.
More than 20 years in strata
Tracey established Illawarra Strata in 2002, building a business founded on professionalism, education and an unwavering commitment to its clients.
More than two decades later, the way Tracey talks about those clients provides perhaps the clearest explanation for her longevity in the profession.
She has always understood that strata management isn’t simply about buildings or administration. It involves people’s homes, their communities and their money.
Keeping that responsibility front of mind has been fundamental to Tracey’s approach. She is determined that the owners she works with feel important, supported and cared for.
Giving back to the profession
Tracey’s contribution extends well beyond her own business and clients.
Throughout her career, she has generously shared her knowledge and experience with others, mentoring many professionals who have gone on to build successful careers of their own.
Her contribution is characteristically understated. Tracey may not be the first person to tell you about the time she gives to the industry, but she continues to put her hand up when there is an opportunity to contribute.
Through her industry involvement, she has provided valuable insights, advocated for professionalism and helped ensure the experiences of regional strata businesses are represented in broader industry conversations.
A voice for regional NSW and the next generation
Tracey is particularly passionate about the opportunities available within strata for young people in regional NSW.
She wants school leavers to understand that strata isn’t simply a job — it can provide the foundations for a rewarding career for life.
That commitment to developing the next generation, combined with her advocacy for regional businesses and willingness to mentor others, embodies the spirit of goodwill and support at the heart of the Max Dunn Award.
A night of double recognition
The Max Dunn Award was not Tracey’s only achievement at the 2026 Awards for Excellence.
On the same night, Tracey was also named the winner of the Strata Community Management Leadership Award for the second consecutive year.
Receiving both honours on the same evening provided fitting recognition of not only Tracey’s professional leadership, but also the contribution she has made to the people and community around her.
For more than 20 years, Tracey has supported clients, mentored colleagues, advocated for regional strata and continually stepped forward to contribute to the profession.
SCA (NSW) congratulates Tracey Payne on receiving the 2026 Max Dunn Award and thanks her for her outstanding contribution to our members, regional communities and the NSW strata industry
See also: Emily Doherty Honoured with the SCA (NSW) Greg Haywood President’s Award
