Michael Burston

Michael Burston was born in Melbourne but lived on a farm at Mulwala in New South Wales until being sent to boarding school aged five. Happily for Michael, this stint away was interrupted by the outbreak of war and he found himself back on the farm for a good part of his childhood. These years were spent learning the skills required for life on the land, station work and droving. He was a competent rider by the age of three and he rode and broke-in horses for the next 50 years.

Over his lifetime Michael became an expert in all aspects of the Australian cattle industry. In 1951 he established a Poll Hereford stud and over the following years Michael worked extensively in beef and meat production. He had wide-ranging experience both in Australia and overseas and had expertise in cattle farming, breeding, genetics, slaughter systems and abattoirs.

With his impressive understanding of cattle and beef industries, Michael held a variety of roles within Melbourne Royal and the Melbourne Royal Show over many decades. He became a councillor in 1973 and a life councillor in 1993 after 20 years of service. He was the Melbourne Royal Vice President (1981–1988) and Director of the Board (1994–2003). Perhaps his most enduring contribution was through his involvement in the carcase competition, where his specialised knowledge in the field of beef production really came to the fore. Michael clocked up around 45 years on the carcase competition committee. Michael also garnered satisfaction from other projects he participated in during his time with Melbourne Royal. Supporting rural youth through his participation in Melbourne Royal's partnership with Young Farmers, being one example.

Overall, Michael served through ten presidents and had a front row seat to many of the big changes and challenges that Melbourne Royal and the Show wrestled with over the decades. His immense contribution is a testament to a lifetime of knowledge and a deep understanding of the importance of Australia’s primary industries.