A life of family and service

Brian Burt’s philanthropy has been driven by strong family values instilled from a young age.

“I come from a family of volunteers and givers,” said Brian. “It was just what you did.”

A retired Principal, Brian was born and raised in Clare and taught in primary schools in the Mid-North, Gawler and the Barossa. He was also a Rotarian for 49 years, supporting dozens of initiatives including polio eradication and literacy programs in Sarawak, Rwanda and India. The Goodwill Children’s Villages in India were particularly special to Brian and his wife Ann and Brian has received eight Paul Harris Fellow Awards from the Rotary Foundation.

Following the tragic and unexpected death of their daughter in 1997, Brian and Ann turned their philanthropy inwards, raising their four grandchildren and supporting their son-in-law.

When Ann was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2010, they began supporting cancer research. This culminated in a Light the Night event for the Leukaemia Foundation in 2015. Sadly, Ann passed away 10 days before the event.

After attending a tour of SAHMRI in 2022 and a chance meeting with Chair the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC and his wife Lan Le OAM in the foyer afterwards, Brian decided to direct more of his attention to health and medical research.

“I was most impressed with what I learned about SAHMRI during the tour. I began sponsoring a Window of Hope in Ann’s memory, and the more involved I became with SAHMRI, the more I wanted to help,” said Brian.

“On top of making regular donations, I also now advocate for the Institute among my friends. I tell everyone I know that SAHMRI is helping us live better lives.”

Brian has also decided to include a gift to SAHMRI in his Will. His children and grandchildren support his decision to leave a legacy to medical research and embrace the family’s philanthropic tradition.

“Our family has always been included in our philanthropy and been taught that’s what life is all about. I am proud of the way they are now helping organisations in their own communities.”