Burke was born in Ulverstone, Tasmania. After starting out playing netball, she switched to basketball, playing for Tasmania at the 1956 National Championships.[2] Burke was selected for the Australia women's national basketball team, representing her country six times in international competition.[3] She was captain of the national team during their 1963 Asian tour, when they won 14 of the 15 games played.[2] At official FIBA events, Burke played at the 1957 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.[4]
Burke moved to coaching and administration after retiring as a player in 1966. She was inducted into the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame in 1991.[2] Burke is one of only three basketballers inducted into the Hall of Fame.[5]