Supporter stories

See how everyday Australians are changing lives by supporting Burnet's work.

Share your story

One of our favourite things is hearing from you, our donors. Understanding a little bit about who you are, how you first came to be involved with Burnet, and what drives your incredibly generous support.

Please get in touch if you’re interested in sharing your story, we’d love to hear from you. You can call 03 9282 2221 or email us at giving@burnet.edu.au.

View our supporter stories

Gabrielle’s journey: from childhood memories to life-saving care

How a science-loving schoolgirl became Burnet’s youngest donor

Fiona Athersmith: activated by social justice

Heather Phiddian: a most generous lasting legacy

Dr Jerry Koliha and Ms Marlene Krelle: inspired to give

Dr Jerry Koliha and Ms Marlene Krelle have thrown their support behind Burnet research to develop a universal COVID vaccine by pledging to match all donations up to $10,000.

Margery Nash: an eye-opening friendship with a PNG mum-to-be

Margery Nash started supporting Burnet’s Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Program after seeing the hardship endured by expecting mothers in Papua New Guinea.

Les Harrison: the quiet philanthropist

Les Harrison was a long-term Burnet supporter with a keen interest in our medical research and practical projects.

Kate Cherry: making a contribution, as a donor and a staff member

Kate has given to Burnet regularly since completing her PhD in 2004 and has a specific interest in addressing funding gaps.

Margaret Cross: a lifetime of nursing leads to a bequest for Burnet

Margaret witnessed first-hand the devastation of infectious diseases in Australia, and wants to improve outcomes for others.

Libano Dias and his family: the family who gives together

Philanthropy has always been an incredibly important to the Dias family. Today, Libano and his two daughters support Burnet with a monthly gift each.

Jeanne and Ken Deutscher: 25 years of giving to Burnet

When Jeanne and Ken made a commitment, over 25 years ago, to embark on their philanthropic endeavours, they chose to support Burnet Institute for very specific reasons.

Mary Padbury: a personal and corporate commitment to save lives

After being invited to visit the Institute and its facilities Mary felt immediately compelled to support Burnet and is now on our Board.

Paul Collins: the life-saving power of medical research

Paul is proud to have left a gift in his Will to help ensure that Burnet’s HIV research continues to transform the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Laurence O’Keefe: providing a bequest for better health

Laurence has been a long time supporter of Burnet’s translational research which works on the ground to improve health.

Dianne Sides: a life full of children

Dianne Sides has been a Research Action Partner (a Burnet monthly donor) since 2007. Here, she shares with us a little about her life, one filled with children, and how she came to support Burnet Institute.