 He was an active member of the Timboon Returned and Services League, captain of the local fire brigade, and a member of the local hospital board.In his industry, he was a delegate for the Australian Wool and Meat Producers Federation from 1966 to 1970, chairman of the Australian Prime Lamb Industry Panel until 1970, and chairman of the Victorian Prime Lamb Committee.Burgin was elected to the Legislative Assembly at the 1970 state election, succeeding Tom Darcy in the safely conservative seat.