How one donor’s lifelong connection to PNG led her to Burnet

A childhood book sparked Florine Simon’s enduring bond with PNG – a commitment that now inspires her generous support for Burnet’s work and long-term vision.

In a hot and humid Brisbane classroom in the 1950s, two friends turned the pages of a book that would influence the course of their lives.

The book, Danger Patrol, was set in Papua New Guinea (PNG) – a place that, for the two young Queenslanders, was tantalisingly close but just beyond reach.

After school, one would go on to become a teacher in PNG’s regional provinces, sending letters brimful of detail to her childhood friend, Florine. For her part, after graduating, Florine joined the Department of Territories in Canberra.

There she prepared material for ministerial briefs as the government managed PNG’s transition to independence – and she met the man who would become her husband, Edmund Simon.

In 1978, the couple – by then married with two young boys – were posted to Port Moresby for Edmund’s role at the Australian High Commission.

Life in PNG in the early years of independence was rich with contrasts. The family lived in a suburban community where their boys made friends with classmates and the children next door. Weekends were often spent exploring what could be reached by road from Port Moresby: the cooler highlands, the busy markets and coastal villages known for their pottery.

“It gave our children a grounding in what it’s like to live in a country that does things differently to what they were used to at home,” says Florine.
Years later, after her husband’s passing, Florine found her thoughts returning to the continuing challenges facing PNG, especially those affecting women and children.

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Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies wrap-up presentation at St Mary’s Hospital, Papua New Guinea

East New Britain, Papua New Guinea

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“It was still difficult for remote villagers to ensure that mothers and babies could have safe births,” she says. “That was one of the main areas of interest for me.”

Recognising the impact Burnet was having in PNG, Florine began making occasional donations. Over time – as she read Burnet’s reports, watched webinars and listened to updates from team members in the field – her sense of connection deepened.

"Being a supporter makes me a link in the chain that is working towards better health outcomes for everyone."

“I came to realise what makes Burnet’s work so effective – it’s collaborative. Their world-class research is harnessed to tackle specific community needs by providing programs developed in conjunction with local expertise.”

More recently, Florine began looking for a way to make a more sustained contribution, something with more immediate impact than a bequest could provide. After careful consideration, she chose to establish a named sub-fund within the Burnet Endowment Fund. Interest accrued by her sub-fund will be used to support research fellowships, traineeships and health programs in PNG.

Florine plans to continue giving to grow her gift into a substantial source of support in the years ahead and enjoy seeing the impact of her support for the people of PNG.