Community Mediation
Things between community members don’t always go smoothly. It’s always best to try to resolve any disputes between community members by talking to them and seeing if you can reach a mutual agreement. You can even write them a letter setting out the problem and how you’d like to resolve it. But if those don’t work, the next best step is mediation. At CAB, we offer a low-cost Community Mediation Service where community members in a dispute can come together with trained mediators to negotiate a fair and workable solution for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mediation?
Mediation is an alternative way of resolving a dispute where the parties sit down together and, guided by mediators, negotiate a practical and fair solution to their problem. It gives everyone the opportunity to tell their side of the story, define issues, consider options, and settle on a solution that suits them. Mediation is guided by experienced and professionally qualified mediators. They’re impartial and don’t give any advice or make any decisions for the parties; they’re there to help parties focus on the best way forward.
If mediation is successful, the result is a mutual agreement that is written in the parties own words. This isn’t legally binding, but it can be used as a basis for court applications.
How does mediation work?
Once the parties have agreed to mediation, we’ll book a separate pre-mediation interview for each party. This is an opportunity for you to tell your side of the story without the other party there. It’s also a good time to ask any questions or raise any issues you’re unsure about. The mediator will explain how mediation works so you’re fully prepared.
After the pre-mediation interview, we'll complete an assessment of suitability for mediation. If mediation proceeds, we'll book a mediation appointment for the parties to attend together, in the presence of our mediators. We use a co-mediation model with two mediators to make sure the process is balanced and unbiased.
How much does community mediation cost?
A pre-mediation appointment costs $75 per party. A community mediation costs $150 per party.
Types of community disputes we can help with:
- Dividing Fences;
- Retaining Walls;
- Encroaching Roots & Branches;
- Disputes in Community Groups;
- Dog Ownership;
- Harassment; and
- Public Nuisance Disputes.
Next Steps
For more information about community mediation at CAB, contact us.