A goal worth standing by: why Len Dudman chose to back Burnet

Len Dudman’s fundamental belief in kindness and accountability inspired him to throw his support behind Burnet Institute – and leave a lasting gift.

For Len Dudman, doing the right thing has always been simple – it comes down to love, respect, and compassion for others.

Those values guided the life he shared with his beloved wife, Patricia, who passed away last year after 47 and a half years of marriage.

They first met while holidaying in New Zealand in 1967 and quickly discovered they shared much in common: a strong faith, a deep sense of empathy, and a belief in working hard and giving back.

A computer operator with BHP at her retirement, Patricia was a professional in the truest sense – and a regular supporter of many charities.

That shared belief in the importance of helping others inspired Len, now in his 80s, to make his very first donation to Burnet Institute a little more than 12 months ago.

“Funds were being sought to stop mothers and babies dying in horrific numbers, particularly in low-income countries such as Papua New Guinea,” he recalls.

“Being of a compassionate nature, I deemed this research program to be in need of my financial assistance – and my wife strongly encouraged me.”

Before making his decision, Len carefully studied Burnet’s 2023 Annual Report. As a certified practising accountant and former Queensland Assistant Auditor-General, he was looking for evidence that Burnet had the governance, professionalism, and integrity to deliver on its promises.

“I found a great deal of information on the workings of the Institute in its 2023 Annual Report,” he says, with satisfaction.

But beyond the numbers, it was Burnet’s purpose that truly inspired him – eliminating disease, improving medical care, and preparing for pandemics, with a clear focus on making sure these benefits flow to all people in need, regardless of their circumstances.

Since that first donation, Len has chosen to become a regular supporter, and recently made the generous decision to remember Burnet with a gift in his Will.

“Given the breadth of its research and the benefit to many, it is very much an organisation worthy of your financial support,” said Len.

“I believe my regular donations assist in the endeavour of eliminating, or at least substantially overcoming, many of the physical ailments affecting the human race.”

And to Len, that’s a goal worth standing by.

This story was featured in the Spring 2025 edition of our 'Thanks to You' donor newsletter. Read the full newsletter.

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