Bill and Iris Burges Trust

Their two sons and distinguished alumni, Bill Burges (BSc 1965; DipEd 1968) and Emeritus Professor Stephen Burges (BEng (Hons) Civil 1967; BSc 1967), would continue their parents’ dedication to the University community through a Trust named in their honour in 2003.

Bill, Stephen, and their cousin and fellow trustee Alan Pont (BCom 1976) represent the second generation of the Burges family giving back to their community.

In many ways, their commitment to medical research builds on a cause close to Bill and Iris’ hearts. Medicine was not part of the University in its early years, and the couple fought hard for the establishment of a Faculty of Health.

Decades later, the Trust bearing their names has transformed a family inheritance into an enduring contribution to medical science in the region, becoming one of the University’s most significant philanthropic partnerships.

“Neither Steve nor I needed the money, so it was decided we would put it towards something useful,” says Bill.

“It was a melanoma that got Dad. That might have swayed our thinking a little bit. And knowing Matt’s involvement with cancer research, particularly brain research, it’s a no-brainer that we asked for the money to go that way.”

Thanks to the Bill and Iris Burges Trust, Doctor Dun has had two novel therapies progress to international clinical trials, offering new treatment options and hope for families experiencing one of the deadliest forms of childhood brain cancer.

Bill and Alan have visited the laboratory where these discoveries were made, seeing firsthand how the Burges family legacy is moving research forward, from providing vital equipment to creating opportunities for the next generation of researchers who will carry the torch.

“It’s really astounding, the things he’s achieving. He’s got a lot of PhDs and PhD aspirants working in his lab with him and for him, and that’s good to see. Good to see because the research is ongoing,” says Bill.

Indeed, the Trust itself was created with the future in mind. Now valued at over $8 million, its impact extends beyond any one researcher or program, ensuring an enduring source of support for medical science in the Hunter.

Just as Bill and Iris Burges helped lay the foundations for a university that would serve their community, their legacy will continue through research with the potential to change lives across Australia and beyond.

Bill simply says, “I hope it continues.”