Rochelle O’Brien (2002): Growing the Arts in Carnarvon
Rochelle O’Brien’s story is a beautiful reminder that success isn’t always linear – and that sometimes, it takes time and trust in yourself to grow into your true potential. Now the Arts Development Officer in the coastal town of Carnarvon, Rochelle is shaping the creative future of the Gascoyne region through passion, purpose and connection.
A Journey of Growth & Authenticity
Rochelle is the first to admit that she didn’t feel like she reached her full potential while at Santa Maria.
“Little did I know that the experiences I had, the people I met, and the opportunities I had would culminate all these years later in me living my best life, being my most authentic self, and working in service to my community. This, together with loving and being loved by family and friends, is the measure of true success.”
She encourages students and alumni alike to be gentle with themselves and follow what brings them joy. Her message is clear: “Seek out what brings you joy and follow this where it leads you. You can’t go wrong.”
Finding Her Creative Voice
Rochelle’s love of the arts has been lifelong – and deeply felt.
“I have always felt a strong visceral pull to the arts. Even as a teen, my moment of rebellion was painting huge blue flowers all over my bedroom walls!”
It is a creative spirit that has taken her far, from high school Art and Drama classes to her current role in regional arts development.
Life as a Boarder: The Little Moments That Stick
Rochelle reflects fondly on her time as a Santa Maria boarder, particularly the peaceful walks by the river and the deep friendships she formed.
“I had a handful of friends, some of whom I am still in touch with today, who made every day fun – the laughs we would have!”
She also recalls her art, music and drama classes with great affection, especially her Art teacher, Thelma Cluning. Art was a sanctuary for her – a place where she could learn and express herself freely, even while navigating social anxiety.
“Art class was always a safe space where I could learn about all manner of interesting art forms and artists. I always remember enjoying these classes in what was then a brand new purpose built arts and science faculty building.”
The Big Picture: Arts as a Catalyst for Change
Looking ahead, Rochelle’s role will help deliver Carnarvon’s first strategic arts plan – building partnerships, enhancing liveability and attracting new opportunities through the power of creativity.
“It feels like a tremendous honour – in the most humbling of ways – to call this my life’s work.”
When She’s Not Making Magic...
You will find Rochelle by the ocean, at the river, or under the stars.
“I love to spend as much time as I can in nature either solo if I can manage it, or together with my children. Think weekend escapes exploring the rugged and pristine coastline, long walks on beautiful beaches, even in the middle of winter, we are so spoilt up here! Walks to the Gascoyne River are a favourite. I also love cosying up with a good book and a hot cuppa or around the fire with friends enjoying a blanket sky filled with stars. it’s the simple things in life that bring the greatest joy and fulfilment.”
If you are in the area...
If you are ever travelling through Carnarvon, be sure to stop by the Carnarvon Art Gallery or Community Arts Hub – Rochelle and the local creatives would love to welcome you in.
- AlumniSpotlight, AlumniSuccess, CarnarvonArtsCommunity, Featured, GascoyneCreativeProjects, RegionalArts, RochelleOBrien, SantaMariaCollegeAlumni, WomenInArts
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – May 2026
Santa Maria College alumni can look forward to several upcoming events in 2026. These include a joint alumni event with Aquinas College later in the year, a movie night at Windsor Theatre Nedlands in late July, and the Pleiades Meeting hosted at Santa Maria College in August. The update also encourages support for the College’s Winter Appeal.
Expression of Interest – Explore8 Guest Speakers 2026
Santa Maria College is inviting alumni to submit an expression of interest to speak in the 2026 Explore8 program. Explore8 is a real-world learning experience for Year 8 students focused on research, problem solving and innovation in response to community and global challenges. Guest speakers help students connect ideas to lived experience by sharing their career journeys, challenges and impact.
Tara Del Borrello’s Music Therapy Journey
Music therapy is the intentional use of music by a registered music therapist to support health, functioning and wellbeing. In this alumni story, Tara Del Borrello explains how music therapy can help infants, children and young people with regulation, communication, rehabilitation and recovery. Her journey shows how a creative background can lead to meaningful work in healthcare.
