Giving the opportunity for a better life

“I have had the good fortune of working closely with Burnet scientists on a number of research projects,” David said.

“This gave me a unique insight into the Institute’s operational philosophy and I was very impressed by the high calibre of scientists and the organisation’s focus on assisting vulnerable communities. I quickly decided that Burnet Institute was worthy of my support.”

David lives with his wife on a five-acre bush block 30 kilometres from Canberra. He is a keen bird observer and also enjoys researching and documenting the local community’s history. David maintains a long-term interest in social development and population health, with a particular focus on alcohol, tobacco and other drug matters.

With almost 50 years experience in that field, backed by several tertiary and related qualifications, he continues to consult to governments, universities and other organisations.

Early in his career, David worked in community development in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This experience opened his eyes to the unique challenges facing this developing nation – from local community isolation due to rugged terrain and poor roads; to sparse medical infrastructure and services; to communication problems because of the many local languages/dialects. David is a supporter of Burnet’s work in developing countries, and in particular the Institute’s Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) program in PNG.

“The HMHB program illustrates one of Burnet’s finest attributes – its focus on what I call implementation research,” he said.

“To be successful, health programs need to understand local issues such as culture, family customs, education, medical service availability, etc. Burnet takes the time to carefully address such issues. I wish that more research institutes understood the importance of this approach.”

During 2013-15, David was a member of a team of social scientists evaluating an Australian Capital Territory trial that permitted people other than health professionals to administer the drug naloxone – used to reverse opioid overdose. The team found that the trial was a success (lives were saved) and recommended the practice continue and be scaled up. David worked with Burnet scientists during this evaluation.

“This evaluation project highlighted another Burnet attribute – its willingness to focus on improving the lives of people who are vulnerable and too often stigmatised. My experience is that Burnet scientists are not only skilled but also compassionate and non-judgemental – qualities that are not always abundant in an organisation. This makes Burnet special,” he said.

“Many people who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or simply lack sufficient voice, would be left behind, or perish, if it were not for organisations like Burnet. That is why I have left a gift in my Will for Burnet Institute.”