Burke was born in Ulverstone, Tasmania. After starting out playing netball, she switched to basketball, playing for Tasmania at the 1956 National Championships. Burke was selected for the Australia women's national basketball team, representing her country six times in international competition. She was captain of the national team during their 1963 Asian tour, when they won 14 of the 15 games played. At official FIBA events, Burke played at the 1957 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.