Dorothy Burke

Dorothy Burke
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Maggie Dence
Duration	1990–1993
First appearance	7 March 1990 (1990-03-07)
Last appearance	3 February 1993 (1993-02-03)
Classification	Former; regular
Created by	Ray Kolle
Introduced by	Don Battye
In-universe information Occupation Principal of Erinsborough High Father Clarrie McLachlan Mother Stella McLachlan Brothers Russell McLachlan Husband Colin Burke (until 1993) Nephews Ryan McLachlan Nieces Tiffany McLachlan

Dorothy Burke is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Maggie Dence. The actress accepted the role after being approached by a representative from the show's production company. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 March 1990. Dorothy is portrayed as an eccentric. She is well travelled and speaks several languages. She often wears black clothing, which a writer for the official show website said gives her "a witch-like appearance." During her time in the show, Dorothy was the principal of Erinsborough High School. Dence did not have much in common with Dorothy, and a reporter noted that she was barely recognisable out of character, especially without her iconic hairstyle. Dence filmed her final scenes for Neighbours in November 1992. She confirmed that Dorothy would not be killed-off. Her final scenes aired on 3 February 1993, as Dorothy leaves Erinsborough with her love interest Tom Merrick (Robert Essex).