Denise O’Meara

Professional Category

(Hall of Distinction 2020)

Former Principal of Bunbury Catholic College, Denise has been an outstanding leader of Catholic schools and a visible example of Catholic faith and values to the students, staff and communities she has served. After graduating from Nedlands Secondary Teachers’ College, her first appointment was as a Mathematics teacher at Mercedes College in Perth. She went on to serve this community for 32 years, including 11 years as the Principal. In 2008, Denise was appointed to lead Bunbury Catholic College where she showed her commitment to fostering strong teachers who would guide independent young people to become young men and women of faith and fortitude in an ever-changing world. Throughout Denise’s career as a leader in Catholic schools, her actions and decisions were always focussed on how to best meet the needs of the students in her care. In 2012, Denise and her leadership team set about the huge task of establishing a new Mercy campus in Australind. Through Denise’s visionary leadership, enormous energy and hands-on approach, Our Lady of Mercy College is now a substantive school serving the northern part of the Greater Bunbury Region. Denise’s outstanding career in Catholic Education spanning more than 40 years, has afforded her the opportunity to be successful, both in her personal aspirations and in shaping the lives of those in her community.