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Beryl and Jim Burrowes

BERYL AND JIM BURROWES

The Beryl and Jim Burrowes Named Fund honours the extraordinary lives of Beryl and Jim Burrowes, celebrating their creativity, resilience, generosity and lifelong commitment to family and community. Establishment of the fund supports the Benalla Art Gallery’s collection and programs; continuing the values they embodied and the opportunities they created for others.

Married for 73 years, Beryl and Jim shared a rich life of family, travel, service and artistic expression; they both celebrated vibrant and independent lives to the age of 101. Their welcoming home reflected their warmth, creativity and generosity.

Born in Benalla in 1923, Beryl overcame a difficult early life with enduring optimism, resilience and a remarkable ability to find hope and purpose in every circumstance. A gifted dressmaker and designer, she created hundreds of garments and almost 1,000 dance costumes while raising four children. She also supported women experiencing hardship through practical guidance and friendship. During the Second World War, she served in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force, where her administrative skills and dedication were highly valued.

Jim combined a distinguished career as an accountant and company director with outstanding community service, receiving an OAM for his contributions to lifesaving. Following his war service as a coastwatcher behind enemy lines in New Britain, he worked with the Jennings building group, managing the finances and later its mining and manufacturing divisions.

A talented amateur artist, he captured landscapes inspired by the couple’s extensive travels, leaving a lasting artistic legacy cherished by family and friends.
The Beryl and Jim Burrowes Named Fund ensures their spirit of giving continues to enrich the cultural life of the Benalla community for generations to come.