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Radio gig delights marketing graduate
When Coolum Beach musician and mother of three Jacqui Burns goes on air at 6am on Monday 1 February to launch Noosa Community Radio 101.3’s new breakfast program, she will be living a dream.
With 20 years in amateur performance and a work history in retail, Ms Burns found new direction in a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“The USC degree broadened my mind, honed my skills and helped me find a fulfilling career,” said Ms Burns, a singer-guitarist who moved to the Coast 11 years ago from New South Wales.
“I’d been working at a deli in Hastings Street and was secretary of the Cooran Acoustic Night but I wanted to build on my passion for music.”
After graduating from the University in 2008, Ms Burns completed the Noosa radio station’s in-house presenter course and worked festival jobs including assistant stock manager for the Woodford Folk Festival’s shop.
She juggled roles at the volunteer station, from sponsorship and marketing to reception, and launched a program at 8pm on Tuesdays showcasing local, Indigenous and emerging artists.
“I absolutely loved presenting and was invited to do the breakfast show, as well as continue overseeing the marketing side,” she said.
Ms Burns said her USC experience was pivotal. “My lecturer Dr Gayle Mayes has encouraged and advised me, even after I graduated,” she said.
– Julie Gatehouse