Just to give a perspective from the other side. I was one of the owners representing the owners corporation. One of the other owners took action against the owners corporation.
None of the owners had any experience with NCAT. We let the strata manager attend because we did not know what to expect at the hearing. It cost $440 for a half day (3 hour) session. I think the strata manager charged a miminum $440 and then $110 per hour thereafter. The strata manager contributed zero to the proceedings.
I know that the NCAT web site says that the parties should work together to solve their issues and not engage lawyers and other professionals. In reality, people bring lawyers and strata managers.
This case happened less than five years ago. I think $880 for three hours is steep.