‘Unsung hero’: Victorian scientist’s extraordinary COVID efforts

Medical researcher Kelly Bannister has worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her compassion and care on the home front is second to none, too.

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Kelly Bannister knows better than most the importance of medical research in these times of COVID-19.

The research scientist has been working extra-long shifts since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

But that hasn’t stopped her making time to support her 98-year-old grandmother, who she keeps in regular touch with.

Bannister’s aunt, Margaret Hawkes, nominated her in the Thanks a Million campaign for her tireless work on the medical front as well as her compassion and care on the home front.

“She’s one of those people who work so hard behind the scenes, that nobody really knows about,” Hawkes said of her niece. “She’s truly an unsung hero who is trying to make a difference, not just for now, but for the future as well and the family are all so proud of her.”

Medical researcher Kelly Bannister has worked 12-14 hour days while also being a great support for her 98-year-old grandmother. Picture: Mark Stewart

Bannister, who has a bachelor of biological sciences, works for a company that develops rapid diagnostic tests, the type of medical tests that could be easily used out in the field or in doctor’s surgeries. It’s these types of tests that have become so important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s been a lot of late nights and weekends spent working,” the 35-year-old scientist laughs, playing down her commitment. “With all the developments going on in the world right now, there’s a real emphasis on rapid diagnostics so we can get quick answers to medical cases. It’s an exciting area to be working in right now.”

While her research work is important, it’s the time she puts in with her elderly grandmother that means so much to Bannister and her family. While she hasn’t seen her grandmother since March when Victoria went into lockdown, Bannister keeps in touch sending heartfelt text messages and little gifts.

“I miss her terribly, so I’m doing what I can to stay in touch with her,” Bannister said.

“I haven’t seen her since the start of COVID-19 as we didn’t want to put her in any danger, and she has had her birthday during that time. So I send her little things just to let her know I’m thinking of her.”