The RAAS Group has been a part of the real estate industry since 2002 and has evolved to be one of the largest Management Rights specialists in Australia. But we are so much more than just specialists.

Why the Management Rights Industry Needs ARAMA

Syd Douglas & Trevor Rawnsley

Our series is now streaming on YouTube and Spotify Watch it, listen to it, experience it your way.

When it comes to the management rights industry, few names carry the weight and experience of Trevor Rawnsley, CEO of the Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA). With over 15 years at the helm, Trevor has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s direction and ensuring it remains viable, professional, and protected.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Trevor to explore the inner workings of ARAMA, the challenges the industry faces, and the value ARAMA continues to provide its members.

ARAMA’s Mission: Protection, Support & Connection

At its core, ARAMA exists to protect and support those working in the management rights industry. Whether you’re a mum-and-dad operator or part of a corporate syndicate, ARAMA provides:

  • Advocacy at the highest levels of government

  • Education to keep members informed and compliant

  • Support through expert networks, legal protections, and mental health services

  • Connection to a like-minded community of professionals

Trevor made it clear: without ARAMA, the management rights industry would be far more fragmented, over-regulated, and less profitable.

Industry Advocacy That Happens Behind the Scenes

One of ARAMA’s most important—but often unseen—roles is legislative advocacy. From preventing damaging law changes in New South Wales to maintaining long-term agreement protections in Queensland, ARAMA consistently works behind the scenes with legal experts and policymakers to shield the industry from harm.

“Sometimes,” Trevor said, “our greatest victories are the ones no one sees—because we’ve succeeded in stopping bad legislation from ever taking shape.”

Real Support for Real People

Beyond policy, ARAMA has a people-first mindset. One standout initiative is iMAP—a mental health support program launched in response to the emotional toll COVID-19 took on operators. Members can now access up to three professional counselling sessions per year at no cost.

“There was a real need for this,” Trevor shared. “People were losing up to 95% of their occupancy overnight—it wasn’t just a business challenge, it was a mental health crisis.”

Tools, Training & Resources for Success

ARAMA offers one of the most comprehensive resource libraries in the industry, with over 2,000 tools, forms, and templates available to members. For new entrants, the Industry Training Program offers a one-day crash course to fast-track their understanding of key stakeholders and operations.

From contract templates to communication toolkits, ARAMA empowers operators to run their businesses with confidence and clarity.

The Value of Community

In an industry often misunderstood by outsiders, ARAMA creates a strong sense of belonging. Through events, peer support, and regional networking, operators can lean on each other, share insights, and solve problems collaboratively.

Trevor puts it best: “If you’re thinking of buying into management rights and you don’t like people—this isn’t the industry for you. It’s a relationship business.”

Final Thoughts: Why Membership Matters

Investing in management rights is a significant financial and emotional commitment. For around the cost of a coffee a week, ARAMA provides protection, resources, and peace of mind that are hard to put a price on.

As Trevor summed up: “Without ARAMA, there wouldn’t be an industry.”

If you’re in the industry and not yet a member, you’re missing out on essential support that can make all the difference.

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