Welcome to the latest Member Matters bulletin. 

These updates are designed to keep you informed about key activities across your Mutual, highlight emerging risks and practical lessons, and provide resources you can apply directly within your organisation. Our aim is to support you in managing risk more effectively, sharing insights from across the Mutual, and help you get the most value from your membership with us.

Renewal Data Collection 2026/27

The renewal data collection process for the 2026/27 renewal is now underway, with completion due by 31 July 2026.

To make this as easy as possible, we’re holding weekly online drop‑in sessions every Tuesday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm (AEST). A meeting invitation has already been shared, but if you did not receive this or have misplaced the email, please contact us at [email protected] 

If you have any questions or need assistance at any stage, please reach out to the Member Services team. We’re here to help.

Claim Case Study and Lessons Learnt

Laboratory Furnace Fire

A recent incident involving a laboratory furnace fire emphasised the importance of strong risk controls around high‑temperature equipment. 

The fire occurred during an unattended experiment using a recently relocated furnace that had not been properly recommissioned. A pressurised tube ruptured, ejecting extremely hot material and igniting nearby combustible items, leading to significant damage and disruption. The absence of sprinkler protection also increased the extent of damage. 

Several factors contributed to the loss, including: 

• inadequate recommissioning and risk assessment 

• combustible materials stored nearby 

• reliance on manual controls without safeguards 

• lack of monitoring during operation 

• gaps in training and supervision. 

The key takeaway is that incidents like this are rarely due to a single failure. They often reflect broader gaps in procedures, training, and risk management. 

Members are encouraged to: 

• ensure robust risk assessments and commissioning processes 

• maintain clear operating procedures and supervision 

• remove combustible materials from high‑risk areas 

• avoid unattended operation of high‑temperature equipment 

• strengthen monitoring and safety systems across campuses. 

You can access the full report here. 

Recently Added and Updated Resources

A range of practical resources have recently been added or updated on the website, and can be accessed via the Member portal. These include: 

• New Building Notification Form (with clearer notification thresholds) 

• Factsheet – Fine Art, Rare Books and Collectables Protection  

• Factsheet – Pandemic Protection  

• Controlled Environment Maintenance Guideline and Matrix  

• Bushfire Risk Management Checklist 

• Guideline for the Valuation of Controlled Environment Contents 

• Holiday Shutdown Checklists (general and role-specific) 

• Investigating and Managing Public Liability Incidents and Claims 

• Root Cause Analysis – The “5 Whys” Method 

• Vacant or Unoccupied Building Checklist 

• Guidance for Roof Materials 

• Member Reference Group Report (March 2026) 

Upcoming Webinar – Save the date

Contractural Risks and Liabilities 

Date: Thursday 18 June 1:00pm to 2:00pm 

Presenter: Patrick Riordan – Principal, Thompson Cooper Lawyers 

Further details and registration invitations will be sent out shortly.

Annual Conference 2027 – Save the date

Date: Wednesday 17 March – Friday 19 March 2027 

Location: Hyatt Hotel, Canberra 

Further details will be shared in due course.

Keep in Touch

As always, if there’s anything you’d like to discuss or you need support, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. 

Warm regards,

Geoff Henderson
Chief Executive Officer

To subscribe to receive our checklists, forms and procedures or other Unimutual updates, please send your details to [email protected] and follow us on LinkedIn for notifications.