A Trusted Voice in Timber for 46 Years
After 46 years in the timber industry, Kim Harris is preparing to step into retirement – leaving behind a legacy of technical excellence, quiet leadership, and genuine care for people. From his early days stacking timber to becoming one of Australia’s most respected technical leaders, Kim has built his career on doing things properly, backing others, and never seeking the spotlight.
In this conversation with Genevieve Ryan, Kim reflects on his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what comes next.
How It All Started
G: When you think back to your early years in the industry, what was it like?
K: Honestly? For the first few years, I wasn’t planning on staying. I came from a dairy farm in western Victoria and ended up in a sawmill because there weren’t many other options. I kept thinking, “This isn’t for me. I’ll move on.” I was stacking timber – I remember thinking, “I can’t do this forever.” But after a few years, I started to see opportunity. I realised there was room to grow if you were prepared to have a go. So… I stuck around. And here we are, 46 years later.
G: So it worked out alright in the end?
K: Yeah, I suppose you could say that. The rest is history.
Taking a Chance
G: Was there a moment when you realised this could really be a career for you?
K: There was one that stands out. I’d been quietly doing a timber and quality course for years – didn’t tell anyone at work. One day, a quality control job came up. I walked into the manager’s office with a big box full of my study work, put it on his desk and said, “I really want this job.” Then I walked out.
G: That’s pretty bold.
K: Yeah… very out of character. I surprised myself. But I got the job, and that opened the door to everything else – treatment plants, kilns, dry mills, technical roles. That moment taught me that sometimes you’ve just got to back yourself.
Finding the Right Fit
G: You’ve done a lot of different roles. Which ones did you enjoy most?
K: I enjoyed most of them – but the technical role is the one that really suited me. I liked managing operations, but looking after 180 people across 3 lines – three shifts? That’s not for everyone. People are great… but it’s hard work. When I moved into technical leadership, I had a massive challenge first up and that was an ACCC investigation, once through that I had more freedom to focus on problem-solving, systems, and improvement. That’s what kept me here for so long.
G: You have really honed your skills into a technical leadership role.
K: I was trusted to run things properly and deliver results – and I took that seriously.
Behind the Scenes Leadership
G: You’ve influenced a lot of projects over the years, often quietly. Is that deliberate?
K: Not really. It’s just how I work. If I see something that could be better, I’ll start talking to people about it. “What do you think about this?” “Have you considered that?” Before you know it, they’ve taken ownership – and it’s their idea. Which is fine. The outcome matters more than the credit.
G: So you’re happy staying in the background?
K: As long as it gets done properly, yes.
Mentoring and Growing Others
G: Mentoring has been a big part of your career. Why is that important to you?
K: Because I had good mentors myself. I know how much difference that makes – having someone who takes the time to explain things, challenge you, and back you. I enjoy seeing people grow. Watching someone gain confidence and capability is pretty rewarding.
G: You once said you didn’t know what you could teach someone – which we both know isn’t true.
K: (Laughs) Yeah… I probably underestimate that side of things. A lot of what I know is just experience. It’s built up over time. Sometimes you don’t realise how valuable that is until someone asks you about it.
Respect Across the Industry
G: You’ve received a lot of messages since announcing your retirement. How has that felt?
K: It’s been pretty overwhelming, to be honest. I didn’t expect that level of response – from across Australia and from people I really respect. It makes you proud, but it also makes you a bit uncomfortable. I’ve never done this job for recognition. I’ve just tried to do it properly.
G: But it says a lot about the impact you’ve had.
K: I suppose so. It’s nice to know the work meant something.
Challenges Along the Way
G: Has it always been smooth sailing?
K: Definitely not. There were times I felt I could have contributed more in certain areas. Times when things didn’t quite go the way I hoped. But that’s part of any long career. You learn from it, move forward, and keep trying to improve things. If something’s not right, I can’t ignore it. I’ll always try to fix it – even if it’s difficult.
Advice to His Younger Self
G: If you could go back and give your younger self one message, what would it be?
K: Don’t let rejection stop you. Stay positive. Take responsibility for learning and getting better. And don’t be afraid to have a go. Most things work out if you’re prepared to put in the effort.
What’s Next?
G: So… retirement. What does that look like for you?
K: Travelling with my wife, for a start. We’ve got a few trips planned and plenty more we’d like to do. And I’m looking forward to spending more time fishing – properly this time, not just squeezing it in between work trips.
G: No alarms. No emails.
K: That’ll take some getting used to. But I’m looking forward to slowing down, seeing more of the country, and enjoying the next chapter.
A Lasting Legacy
Over 46 years, Kim Harris has built more than systems, processes, and technical capability.
He has built trust. He has built people. He has built an industry stronger than when he entered it.
As he begins his next chapter – travelling, fishing, and spending time with family – his influence will continue to be felt across AKD and beyond.
Thank you, Kim, for everything you’ve given to the industry – and for doing it your way.
A Colleague – A Mentor – A Mate
As Kim prepares for retirement, colleagues and industry leaders reflect on the impact of his career.
Holly Wright – AKD National Product Process Manager
“Kim is widely recognised and respected across the industry – no matter who you speak to, he is seen not only as a strong advocate for timber, but as a genuinely good person and a “bloody top bloke”.
He is incredibly humble and a true quiet achiever, always quick to give credit to others before himself. Kim genuinely cares about people and believes in them, and he is fiercely supportive of his team.
Over the four years I’ve worked with Kim, our professional relationship has grown into a valued friendship. His sense of humour is second to none, and he has an incredible ability to make even challenging days enjoyable.
The effort and passion Kim has put into building the technical team and supporting those around him is astounding. He is always generous with his knowledge and never hesitates to help others improve.
Whether it’s his famous banana and caramel toastie in Tumut or his habit of fitting entire emails into the subject line, Kim brings warmth and personality to everything he does.
I am incredibly grateful to have worked alongside him and to call him a friend.”
Rab Green – AKD Tumut Site Manager
“For more than two decades, Kim Harris has been a respected, influential, and unwavering force within the Australian timber industry. Having known Kim for over 20 years, I have witnessed not only his exceptional technical capability, but also his generosity, humility, and genuine friendship.
Kim’s impact reaches across sites, teams, and state boundaries. His leadership has shaped technical excellence and helped guide critical decisions in technology, product development, and process optimisation.
One of Kim’s defining qualities is his willingness to share knowledge. He brings clarity, guidance, and calm reasoning to complex discussions, supporting teams across sites and strengthening collaboration.
He understands the work, and just as importantly, he understands people – guiding, coaching, and challenging teams in the right way.
Beyond titles and achievements, Kim has gained deep respect through authenticity and integrity. His steady reliability, fair communication style, and willingness to help have made a lasting impression.
His influence reaches across the organisation and the industry. More importantly, his friendship is something I truly value.”
Gavin Matthew CEO – Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA)
“When I think of Kim, I think first of honesty and integrity. That is how he lived and how he worked.
For Kim, it was never just about producing more timber and getting product out the door. It was about producing high-quality timber that would perform as intended – and doing it properly, every time.
He worked quietly and consistently, without seeking recognition, always focused on the right outcome. Even with his demanding workload, Kim still found time to contribute to collaborative industry work and to mentor others.
He has been a trusted colleague, friend, and mentor to many – including myself – and I will always be grateful for his support and guidance.
Kim’s knowledge, experience, and character have left a lasting mark on the industry. While he may be retiring from full-time work, I know he is never more than a phone call away.”
Mark Johns – AKD Quality Manager
“Kim Harris is a man whose character and dedication will leave a lasting mark on both the industry and the people who have worked with him. He has always been passionate and committed, often travelling extensively and making personal sacrifices for the job without complaint.
No matter how tough the situation, Kim always managed to bring humour into the room. Even on difficult days, he could still find a way to lift the mood, reflecting his resilience and positive spirit.
He has a unique way of explaining complex ideas, usually heading straight to a whiteboard -earning him the affectionate nickname “Mr Squiggle” during recent trials – a name that quickly stuck.
He is a genuine bloke who would do anything for anyone, at any time. His loyalty, authenticity, and willingness to help have made him not just a colleague, but a mate to many.
Kim will be deeply missed – not only for what he has done, but for who he is.”
Andy McNaught – Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA)
“Kim has been absolutely outstanding among production staff, management, and technical peers throughout his career.
He has the rare ability to always strive for the technically correct outcome, while ensuring solutions remain practical and achievable for production teams. This balance between excellence and practicality has been one of his greatest strengths.
Over more than 25 years, we have worked closely together on grading systems, compliance, standards, research projects, quality control, and industry advocacy. Through this work, I have seen firsthand just how valuable Kim is to the industry.
We both share 46 years in timber, and it is not an easy thing to let go of. Kim’s retirement represents a significant loss – not only because of his technical expertise, but because of his integrity, reliability, and collaborative spirit.
I wish him all the very best in retirement and hope he continues to stay connected to the industry he has helped shape.”
Paul Hartung – AKD General Manager – Operations
“Kim has always led with courage and conviction, never taking shortcuts and always ensuring the detail is right. Even when facing pressure, he stood firm in doing what was technically correct.
Throughout his career, Kim has played a pivotal role in the evolution of timber grading – from manual visual grading to today’s advanced contactless and X-ray systems. His influence has added science, consistency, and reliability to structural timber standards.
We have known each other for many years and, like any strong working relationship, we have sometimes challenged each other. But we share similar humble beginnings and a deep respect for the industry.
Kim has always wanted to leave behind better-informed, better-trained people. In my view, he has achieved that – and the industry is stronger because of him.”