Dr June Danks, the loving wife of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) founder Professor David Danks, passed away peacefully in the company of family on 26 March 2026, aged 94.

June was a pioneering medical practitioner and lifelong advocate for women’s health. Her life was marked by intellectual excellence, quiet determination and a deep commitment to care, health equity and family.

MCRI Director Professor Kathryn North AC remembered June as “a wonderful woman” and reflected on the connection she formed with the Institute over many years.

“The Danks family is part of our history and both June and David are dear to many of our people,” she said. “We are forever grateful for the legacy they leave, and we hope their family finds comfort in the many lives improved through the work they helped make possible.”

Image: Dr June Danks

June began her medical training at The University Melbourne’s Mildura campus. She completed her degree in 1954 and initially trained in anaesthetics, demonstrating early clinical skill and professionalism. In 1957, June and David married forming a lifelong partnership of shared intellectual interests, public service and family life.

In 1986, following years of trailblazing work in medical genetic, Professor David Danks established the original Murdoch Institute with the support of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE, her family, and other visionary philanthropists.

Dame Elisabeth’s pivotal support helped Professor David Danks to advance his groundbreaking genetic research in Australia. This bold investment laid the foundation for the world-leading child health research carried out at MCRI today.

This year, MCRI marks 40 years since its foundation. Celebrating four decades of pioneering discoveries and shaping child health policy, Professor North said: “Anniversaries are not just about looking back, they are moments to reaffirm who we are, why we exist and where we are going next – the Danks family played a pivotal part in this journey”.

June welcomed the MCRI community and visiting international researchers into the Danks family home for numerous social and fundraising functions. This generous hospitality contributed to the strong collegiate culture and social fabric of the MCRI in its foundation years.

Following the birth of their five children, June stepped away from paid medical work for 15 years, choosing to focus on raising her family. When she returned to medicine, one of her most significant contributions was with the Royal Women’s Hospital Family Planning Clinic, where she provided medical consultations to women who could not afford access to a GP or specialist. For 18 months, she worked without pay so that the clinic could run without formal funding.

Image: June and David Danks

When Professor David Danks retired in 1995 with early signs of Parkinson’s Disease, June cared for him until his passing in 2003.

In her own retirement, she was active in the International Soroptimist Society, supporting initiatives focused on women’s education, empowerment and the prevention of female trafficking. She was also Clan McMillan Society president for several years.

A much-loved mother, grandmother and matriarch, June will be remembered for her devotion and enduring support to all those around her.

June was the loved mother of Andrew, Philip, Jenny, Peter and Alister, and mother-in-law to Lisa, Marcella, Hugh, Jeni and Heather. She was a treasured “Gran” to Jessica, Eleanor, Tom, Haz, Lucille, Brigitte, George, Kate, Sam, Ted, David, Hannah, Philippa and Sally.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites tribute gifts in memory of June to MCRI.