Alumni

Jo Bouris (nee Miles)

1998 Graduate

Would you like to share anything about your Suncoast experience?

I was at Suncoast from Years 4-12 and made friendships that have lasted well into adulthood. Attending this school gave me a respect and compassion for people in the community through initiatives like visiting retirement homes and having a focus on others. I faced some family challenges during my school years and felt supported and protected through that time by the College staff and community. It also cemented a faith in God through the environment that I experienced. Something that stands out to me all these years later is that the teachers were so encouraging of the subjects that I was passionate about and allowed me to actively pursue these while supporting me to pass the ones that I found to be a greater challenge.

Your career or personal highlights since graduating?

A personal highlight would be marrying my husband Nathan 15 years ago on the Today Show and of course the births of our 3 children, Mia, Evie and Jake. I’ve had many incredible opportunities during my radio career with 92.7 Mix FM, 91.9 Sea FM and Salt 106.5 here on the Sunshine Coast. However one that stands out to me is the trip I did with Mercy Ships Australia to Madagascar, Africa. This organisation provides free medical care on a ship for those who can’t afford it and the team train local dentists and medical professionals to continue the work once they move to the next location. I was so impacted by the volunteers giving of their time to make a difference and how much it changed each individual life.

Share what you are doing now?

I am currently hosting ‘Be That’ for ACCTV which is a TV series that presents common life issues and shares the real stories of individuals who have journeyed through those hardships to find freedom. It is so exciting to see the impact this show is already having through the resource available and the expertise of the clinical psychologists involved with opening up real conversations. It is so nice having more balance in life after years hosting the Salt 106.5 Breakfast Show I am enjoying being around for the school drop off now that our 3 children are in Primary School. I am also really involved at Hillsong Sunshine Coast in the kid’s program and the worship team.

What are your plans for the future?

To stay married and do my best to raise our kids to be responsible adults that contribute to society. Most days we laugh that being parents is beautiful chaos with many challenges but we are doing our best to create fun memories with them. I definitely want to travel a lot more, I have not done enough of this yet! I would also love to expand more into charity work which is what I am passionate about and the opportunities that will come through what I am doing with ‘Be That’.

Dan McMurray

2006 Graduate

Would you like to share anything about your Suncoast experience?

Suncoast was a major part of my creativity as a teenager. I am truly thankful for the environment and culture of arts at the college, as it helped cultivate a lot of my creative potential. The biggest thing I remember was Mr. Hornby working with me in years 11 and 12 to find time within my school timetable to practice, write and create music. This was probably the biggest factor that allowed me to grow into the musician I am today. I am forever grateful for Terry and other teachers at the college for seeing my potential and allowing it to flourish.

Your career or personal highlights since graduating?

I honestly feel so blessed to be doing what I am doing. I truly believe God has opened doors for me that I would never have been able to open myself. I have been living in Los Angeles for around 5 years and have spent my time touring and recording with some incredible artists. I have found myself fortunate enough to play in some of the world’s most iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, The Troubadour, and many others, along with seeing so much of the world and meeting amazing people that have influenced my life.

I would say that one of the most humbling moments in my drumming career was when I received a Grammy plaque in the mail from The Recording Academy for a song that I recorded drums on. It was a song that won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. That isn’t a big deal for most people and whilst those kinds of achievements are never something I chase, those are the moments that I am left deeply thankful to God for allowing me to have some kind of small influence on people with the gift He has given me.

Share what you are doing now?

Living and loving life in Los Angeles with my incredible wife and two daughters! I have spent this year recording and touring with Hillsong Worship as well as drumming for an artist named Amanda Lindsey Cook, amongst other things.

What are your plans for the future?

Be the best husband and father I can. Continually aim to better myself musically, find ways to grow my craft and influence other people in different spheres of the music industry. I’d like to continue to tour, whilst also writing songs, composing and recording music a bit more. Honestly, who knows! I often make plans that get turned upside down… so I am just riding the wave!