Kim Bennell APAM first learned that she’d been named a Member of the Order of Australia two weeks before the official announcement, receiving a letter instructing her to keep the news confidential.

Although she managed to keep the secret from most, there was one unexpected and heartwarming moment when the news organically unfolded in her home, surrounded by those she loves most.

As the mother of a daughter with special needs, Kim had taught her daughter to identify letters in the newspaper and read them out loud—letters forming her family’s names had become particular favourites. 

So while scanning the Australia Day edition of the Herald Sun on the kitchen table, Kim’s daughter discovered something remarkable.

‘She was sitting there with the newspaper open, and she said, “There’s a K for Kim”,’ Kim says. 

‘She recognised my name and pointed it out to my dad, who was initially ignoring her because he assumed she was just playing her usual game. 

'I had to say, ‘No, Dad, have a close look—whose name is that?”.’

In that moment, Kim’s daughter, unaware of the gravity of the recognition, unknowingly became the bearer of the good news to her grandfather. 

It was a touching and serendipitous way for the family to learn about the award, reinforcing how deeply personal and meaningful the honour was for Kim.

While Kim is the recipient of the award, she is adamant in emphasising that the recognition is not about her alone. 

She sees it as a reflection of the collective work done by the many colleagues and teams she has collaborated with throughout her research career at the University of Melbourne. 

It also represents the collective efforts of many mentors, students and the support of her family.

Professionally, Kim has made an impact as the foundation director of the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine since 2000, and as a leader in physiotherapy education. 

Her work has contributed to innovations in telehealth for osteoarthritis management, significantly improving accessibility to treatment for those in need. 

Yet, with true humility, Kim insists that no single person achieves such milestones in isolation.

‘It’s always a team effort. You never do anything alone. 

'This is as much about all the past and present students, staff and collaborators worldwide as it is about me,’ she said. 

Professor Kim Bennell.

‘It’s a great recognition of the impact our work has had and that it’s been useful because, ultimately, that’s why we do it.’

During her career Kim has supervised more than 30 PhD students and mentored 23 postdoctoral fellows, fostering a new generation of researchers and physiotherapists. 

She also acknowledges the critical role of industry partners, consumers and the broader public in shaping and implementing effective health interventions.

She is particularly grateful to her mentors and nominators. Professor Fiona Dobson, her current manager, took the time and effort to put the nomination together—a process that Kim acknowledges is no small feat. 

‘There are so many deserving people out there who just don’t have someone who will go through all the paperwork to nominate them. 

'Fiona did that for me, and I’m incredibly grateful.’

Kim’s journey has not been without its challenges, though. 

As a mother raising three daughters, one with special needs, while pursuing a demanding academic and research career, Kim found herself juggling responsibilities that many in her field did not face. 

She credits the unwavering support from her university and mentors as pivotal to her success.

‘I’ve been very fortunate that the University of Melbourne has always been flexible with me. 

'Long before COVID-19, they allowed me to work flexibly so I could manage parenting and my career,’ she says. 

‘I was also lucky to have great mentors who advised me wisely. 

'At one point, when I considered reducing my work hours due to family commitments, Professor Bob Williamson told me, “If you were a man, you wouldn’t do that. I know you—you’d still be working full-time and just getting paid less.” 

'His words stayed with me.’

This balance of family and career has shaped Kim’s perspective on what truly matters in her life. 

Her daughter’s discovery of her name in the newspaper on Australia Day symbolised the intersection of these two worlds—her professional recognition merging with her family’s pride and support.

Throughout her career, Kim has pioneered research that directly translates in clinical practice applications. 

One of her most impactful projects has been the Better Knee, Better Me program, developed in collaboration with private health insurer Medibank. 

What started as a research trial to assess exercise and lifestyle interventions for osteoarthritis has now been rolled out to Medibank members, with adaptions for people living with diabetes as well.

For Kim, seeing her research move beyond the academic journal and into real-world solutions is what she considers to be
her greatest legacy. 

‘It’s not just about publishing papers—it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. That’s what I hope to be remembered for.’

Her work in telehealth has also been groundbreaking, expanding access to rehabilitation programs for those in rural and remote areas. 

‘Telehealth has opened so many doors for people who otherwise wouldn’t have had access to physiotherapy. 

'It’s rewarding to know our research has helped to break down barriers,’ she says.

Despite her many accolades—including being named one of the top 10 female scientists in Australia by Research.com—Kim admits she felt a touch of imposter syndrome when she saw the list of Order of Australia honourees. 

‘You see the names of all these incredible people and think, “Wow, am I really among them?” It’s humbling,’ she says.

However, she recognises that the award is more than a personal validation, it is a testament to the field of physiotherapy and musculoskeletal research as a whole. 

‘It’s wonderful to see our work being recognised at this level. It shows that what we are doing is valued,’ Kim says.

Looking ahead, Kim remains committed to advancing health research. 

She and her team are currently working on expanding research into chronic disease management, recognising that conditions such as osteoarthritis coexist with other health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

‘We need to look at holistic approaches to lifestyle management,’ Kim says. 

‘Exercise, diet and psychological interventions are key, and we’re exploring how to make these more accessible.’

As for the formal ceremony at Parliament House this month, Kim is looking forward to celebrating the moment with her family.

‘Apparently, it’s a very fancy event,’ Kim says. ‘I think my parents and my daughters will really enjoy it.’

For a woman who has spent her career elevating others, the recognition is fitting. Yet, as always, Kim sees it as a collective victory rather than a solo achievement. 

Whether through the dedicated teams she has worked with or through her daughter’s innocent joy in seeing her mother’s name in print, Kim’s story is one of shared success, family pride and the enduring power of teamwork.