Risk Management Approach

The risk management strategy will be an ever evolving strategy as we continue to further research and learn more and more about the walk.  In short our strategy covers:
■ Sponsorship risk
■ Equipment risk
■ Medical risk
■ Bush Walker's risk

The walk's leadership team, in alignment with team members and sponsorship suppliers, meet weekly to assess the strategy. We will be displaying our risk management strategy via the website and sponsorship contracts.

Sponsorship Risk

Should Michael be forced to leave the walk at any time due to injury or illness, the walk will continue. PriorityOne has arranged for several back up walkers.  Lisa Burnett is deputized to lead the walking party. The show will go on and the itinerary kept, keeping sponsors and Michael happy!

For this and similar situations we have a back up team of lead walkers made up of:
■ PriorityOne Health team members
■ Experienced NSW, QLD and Victorian Bush Walking Club representatives.
■ Key bush walking colleagues of Michael's from previous endurance walks.

This means the primary goal to raise a minimum of $1,000,000 for The Cancer Council of Australia will still be realised. The event as an entity will be insured. Sponsorship provided by insurance companies and paid for by the funds raised will cover the public liability insurance.

Equipment Risk

The major pieces of equipment involved in the walk consist of the 4x4 vehicle and Off Road Camper Trailer along with Michael's walking gear. Should the vehicles break down or need replacement parts we will have organsied for sponsors of the vehicles to provide the necessary servicing and parts. 

In the worst case scenario replacement vehicles will be provided.  Michael's walking gear is provided and maintained by Back Packing Light Pty Ltd. A big thanks to Tim Campbell for organising and supporting the walk over the next two years.

All events equipment is to be provided by the local town and supported by the materials available from the Project team. 

Medical Risk

Mr. Mark Beltchev, PriorityOne Health is managing the medical risk and emergency procedures plan.  Our planning is aided by the support of the
■ SES
■ Australian Armed Forces
■ Police
■ Ambulance
■ Flying Doctor Service
■ Fire Fighting Services and
■ Local health facilities.

All of the above will be involved in the planning and execution of the medical risk elements.

The medical risk planning covers
■ Michael Mitchell
■ Walkers in group with Michael
■ Support crew of 3 – 4.
■ General  public at events and
■ Should someone unknown, i.e. media requiring medical assistance, they will of course be attended to on site as directed by the medical team.

A first aider will be on hand at all times travelling with the 4 X 4 vehicle or in the walk party itself.

Bush Walker's Risk

There are walking party places for up to 350 bush walkers. Walkers joining the official party do so at their own risk.  The Great Australian Cancer Bush Walk is not responsible or liable for any injury, illness, loss of equipment or personal possessions experienced by participants.

• Prospective bush walkers will complete application forms and where possible, chat with Michael and definitely Lisa prior to joining the walk. You will be asked to provide certified copies of ID.  All information will be treated as confidential. 
• Part of the walkers agreement is an assurance of your physical fitness to cope with the requirements of your particular section and; the training program you have in place ensuring fitness level remain. 
• Bush walkers must use bush walking equipment and be familiar with the bush walking codes and ethics.  Experience at bush walking is desirable and you will be required to sign a walkers agreement, and provide personal details relating to medical history etc.
• Confirmation of your walk leg and backups, should a space become available, will be sent to you, where we ask you to confirm.  
• Bush walkers will be asked to be self sufficient in regards to their walking gear, camping gear, walking food and specific medical supplies. 
• Smokey the chef will feed and water you when you arrive at camp on various nights.  It will be good food as we have tried it.

Bush walkers are strongly advised to purchase their own insurance for the walk.