New OCC
The new Owners Corporation Committee (OCC) was voted in at the recent AGM. All Cape lot owners are members of the Owners Corporation (OC) that owns and manages the common land at the Cape. The OCC currently has 9 members who are unpaid volunteers.
The new committee has 4 new members and 5 existing members. The new Chair is David Maltby who moved to the Cape in April last year. David and Tracy can be seen walking their black Staffie Ruby around the Cape. They were drawn to the Cape by the Sustainability and Community values. David is an environmental consultant and Tracy a health researcher both transitioning to retirement.
Kate Lewer and partner Phil transitioned to The Cape in 2021-2022 after observing and being inspired by its development over some 15 years. Kate is a Mental Health Practitioner working part time and a volunteer rescuer with Wildlife Victoria (we need more volunteers!). This is Kate’s second year of working on the OCC and she is committed to ensuring this magical landscape & community continues to thrive.
Robyn Shallard has been on the OCC since buying her block of land here in 2020. She moved into her 8.6 energy rated home in 2021. You’ll see Robyn and her dog Zoe wandering the paths – she’s the black labradoodle jumping onto rocks and Robyn is the human on the other end of the lead. Robyn loves the wildlife, the environment, the dark night skies, the community farm, the sense of community, and the fact that she first discovered pickleball here.
John Godfrey and Miranda moved here about 4 years ago from inner Melbourne. This is John’s second year as OC secretary. John and Miranda love living here. You’ll see them walking their black greyhound (there are now 3 in The Cape!). Otherwise he is active in the local U3A, try to stir up action on climate change, take some photos, and practice being a grandfather.
Cheryl Padgett has been a resident of The Cape estate since early 2021, after spending most of her adult life in the Dandenong Ranges. Cheryl said that “from my very first interactions here and in the broader Bass Coast community I’ve been made to feel very welcome. I put my hand up to join the OCC as a way to give back a bit to the community I share and love, and to assist in the smooth running of the estate”.
More bios to follow in the next newsletter.
What does the OCC actually do?
With a new committee in place, it seemed a good time to explain what the Owners Corporation Committee (OCC) does, and just as importantly, what sits with others.
The OCC governs the Owners Corporation itself: the OC’s budget, insurance, compliance with the Special Rules and Design Guidelines, and how the committee operates. We’re also the main point of contact for governance and rule-related matters across the estate, and where complaints come up (a fence, a parking issue, signage and so on), our first step is usually a conversation rather than enforcement. Most things get sorted informally.
One thing that surprises some residents: while the developer still has lots to sell, day-to-day maintenance and contractor decisions for common property, things like the sports precinct, walkways, wetlands, and shared facilities, formally sit with the developer’s Operations Manager, not the OCC. The OC Chair works closely with the Operations Manager on this: passing on resident feedback, helping prioritise work, and giving guidance on what needs attention. For example, when the Operations Manager brings in an arborist for tree pruning, we gather resident input on which trees need work and pass that on. Formal handover of maintenance to the OC happens once the developer has sold all the lots (not once they’re all built on), and in the meantime the OC is gradually taking on a growing share of the maintenance costs.
Alongside this, the Cape Care Crew (CCC), our community volunteer group, does hands-on work in the shared spaces, in consultation with the contractors who work for the Operations Manager. If you’d like to get involved, look for the regular posts from Duncan in the Cape Residents Facebook page.
The rest of our day-to-day work includes reviewing the OC’s finances and insurance, working with our managing agent (Ace Body Corporate), and coordinating community initiatives like welcome packs and social events.
What’s outside our scope?
A few things people sometimes bring to us are actually matters for someone else:
- Roads, footpaths, and on-street parking are Bass Coast Shire Council’s responsibility. The OC only has authority over parking on common-property car parks.
- Building approvals for new homes and major works go through the Design Review Panel, not the OCC, although we work with the DRP where needed.
- Disputes between individual neighbours that don’t involve a registered rule aren’t something the OCC can resolve directly.
- Planning and zoning matters sit with Council under the Bass Coast Planning Scheme.
If you’re ever unsure who to approach about something, drop us a line at capeocc@ourcapelife.org and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Upcoming Events
Pub Trivia Farm Fundraiser
An important fundraiser for the farm is the annual pub trivia on 26 July 2026 at the Cape Tavern. The trivia master for this year is Dylan who runs regular events at pubs in Melbourne. There are a minimum number of attendees to run the event so please book and polish up on your trivia. Cape Community Farm Trivia Afternoon Tickets, Cape Tavern, Cape Paterson | TryBooking Australia.
Masterclass workshop
If you are quick there are a couple of spots left for the sourdough “Lets Celebrate” masterclass. Sourdough ‘Lets Celebrate’ Masterclass Tickets, The Cape Display House , Cape Paterson | TryBooking Australia.
New and Old Residents Catch Up
We are planning a new residents catch up at the display house on 8 August 2026 from 4 until 6 pm. All are welcome please bring refreshments. If you are early, you may score a beverage left over from the AGM.
Regular social events
Men’s breakfast is the fourth Friday of the month at 8am, at the Cape Corner Store;
Women’s catch up is the second Friday of the month at 9:45 am, at Zeal & Flow.
Sunset Sippers. Every Thursday evening the Cape Paterson Surf Club is open from about 4pm. This is currently suspended but is planned to reopen on 16 July. This is open to the public, not just surf-club members. Drinks and light meals are available.
Tool Shed
The new tool shed located next to the car park is almost complete and will soon mean that Kate gets her garage back as the tools migrate to the shed. Tools will be available for use by residents of the Cape, details of how to access will be provided in the near future.
A reminder as spring approaches
While we’re talking maintenance: as your lot’s owner, keeping your grass mown and your block tidy is your responsibility, not the OC’s or the developer’s. Unsold developer lots are mowed regularly by the Operations Manager’s contractors, which sometimes leads to a bit of confusion about whose job is whose.
Our Cape Life 