I recently went to NCAT on my own without lawyers or experts and was very apprehensive about the process. But I sought advice from NCAT itself (this you can do once you have lodged a claim) and from a strata lawyer who also gave me advice. (They did not go to the Tribunal.)
The main thing is to be really organised. I photocopied all the evidence I wanted to submit, numbered the pages then supplied an index and a chronological index of dates covering the period that needed to be discussed. I then sent the application and supporting information to the respondent via registered post three days before the hearing. The respondent sent me nothing. If that happens, and they bring something to the hearing that you have not read, you can request that it not be considered.
The other thing you should do is go to a few strata hearings at NCAT to get a feel of how things work.
The process is formal but not unbearably so.
Most importantly, get ALL your facts correct and well researched and be prepared to argue your case. I unfortunately had an OC representative (the respondent) who intimidated me before going into the hearing and then lied during it. This was so unexpected, I did not challenge it at the time because, as it was completely out of left field, I did not have the information in front of me to prove the lies.
My question here is whether I need to point this out to NCAT prior to our next hearing date.