Chris and Rachel Harris are members of the USC 1996 Society as founding visionaries. Rachel is an accomplished equestrian and Chris is a Senior Financial Planner/ Investment Adviser with Ord Minnett Sunshine Coast and is a current member of the University’s Planning and Resources Committee. The Harris’ have been involved with USC for many years generously sponsoring the Art Gallery Lecture series.

How do you two see the impact of USC on the region? USC allows the Coast to keep its young talent and also introduces students to our lifestyle. Hopefully, a few of the graduates find a job and stay. USC offers the Coast the opportunity to grow culturally. We’ve enjoyed our relationship with the Art Gallery and how this space opens up the Uni to the community.

Rachel, what scientific discovery would you like to see accomplished before the end of the decade? Further breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

Where would you like to travel on holiday when international borders reopen? We enjoy our time in Japan. We’ve been fortunate to ski the last few seasons (except 2021) and find the people to be helpful and respectful. This allows our kids to have some freedom on the slopes, giving them some independence. We also get a bit of quiet time.

Chris, what is your favourite thing about your career? It’s more interesting than accountancy. I enjoy finding ideas, learning about new concepts and thinking about the interconnectivity of the world and markets more broadly.

Why did you and Rachel decide to give to the 1996 Society as visionaries? We’ve backed USC as it gives people an opportunity to better themselves and contribute to their families and society more broadly. This is how we create a better world.