CEO Connect #4

November 2025

As we close out 2025, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and partnership. It has been an honour to serve our Members and work alongside you during what has been a dynamic and rewarding year. Together, we navigated challenges, embraced opportunities and delivered outcomes that continue to strengthen our Mutual community.

This year also carries special significance globally – it is the International Year of the Cooperative. This serves as a timely reminder of the power of collaboration and shared purpose – principles that are at the heart of everything we do at Unimutual.

2025 Highlights

This year, we achieved significant milestones together, including:

  • Launched tailored Member Dashboards to give Members greater visibility and control of their protection program.
  • Invested in carbon offset initiatives through the Forktree Project, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
  • Received national recognition at the Australian Service Excellence Awards, winning:
    • Innovative Customer Transformation of the Year
    • Service Hero – Customer Service Organisation of the Year (Small Business).

These achievements reflect our shared commitment to innovation, service excellence and sustainability for our Members.

Reflecting on Renewal Outcomes

This year’s renewal period was once again a good result for our Members. We were pleased to deliver terms at or better than expected in a market that has seen softening insurance rates. After several years of a hardening market, increased capital is flowing into the market, driving competition and reducing reinsurance costs, and, ultimately, benefiting our Members.

While the future direction of the market continues to remain uncertain, our commitment is clear – we will continue to advocate for Members and secure the best possible outcomes for Members in the years ahead.

Your Voice Matters – Member Survey

We encourage you to share your views on where we can improve and where we excel, via our 2025 Member Survey. Thank you to those who have shared their feedback already. If you haven’t had the chance yet, please take a few minutes to complete the survey before it closes on Friday 28 November.

The survey link has been sent via email. If you did not receive this email, please contact [email protected]. Your feedback is completely anonymous and will directly inform new initiatives in 2026.

Strength Governance – Board Update

We are delighted to announce that Meredith Parry, Chief Operating Officer at the University of New England, has joined the Unimutual Board as a Member Director. Meredith brings extensive experience in higher education governance and strategic leadership. Her insights will be invaluable, and we look forward to having Meredith on the Unimutual Board as we continue to evolve and deliver value to our Members.

Celebrating Excellence – Unimutual Awards

Back for another year, the 2025 Unimutual Excellence Awards are now open! Our awards program recognises outstanding contributions across our Mutual in Protection Services, Claims Services and Risk Management Services. The awards celebrate the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to protect their communities and deliver exceptional outcomes.

We encourage all Members to nominate colleagues or teams who exemplify excellence. More information on how to nominate can be on our Excellence Awards webpage. If you need assistance with your nomination, please contact [email protected].

Let’s showcase the incredible work happening across our membership.

Looking Ahead – 2026 Unimutual Conference

Mark your calendars! The next Unimutual Conference will be held from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 March 2026 at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park. This annual event is the cornerstone of our Member engagement, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts and peers for meaningful discussions and networking.

We have an exciting line-up of speakers confirmed, and we are planning sessions exploring emerging risks, innovation in risk management and strategies for resilience in higher education.

Registration invitations have been sent out via email, and we look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and collaborative event. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Head to our conference webpage to find out more and view the draft program.

In Closing

Thank you again for your trust and support. I wish you and your loved ones a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to reconnecting in 2026, refreshed and ready for another year of collaboration, innovation and shared success.

Yours sincerely,

Geoff Henderson

Chief Executive Officer

e: [email protected]

p:  +61 2 9169 6604  m: +61 (0) 417 887 513

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