Western Australia’s newest Senior Australian of the Year, Br Thomas Oliver “Olly” Pickett, says he is still coming to terms with the unexpected honour. Source: ABC News.
Br Pickett has been recognised as the state’s Senior Australian of 2025 after 27 years of volunteering at Wheelchairs for Kids.
The 83-year-old Christian Brother from Geraldton, 400km north of Perth, co-founded the organisation, which has provided over 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs for kids in 80 countries.
He is now the organisation’s volunteer factory manager.
A retired Catholic school teacher, Br Pickett was nominated earlier this year by former students at St Patrick’s College in Geraldton after sharing the organisation’s story at a school reunion.
He said he was honoured to win but it “came out of the blue”.
“I am still trying to come down to earth,” Br Pickett said. “There are a lot of amazing people doing amazing things and I was very surprised to win this award.”
He said helping disadvantaged children was enough reward.
“Without the wheelchairs, children in poorer countries are often left on the ground, waiting for help,” Br Pickett said.
“These wheelchairs have helped thousands of children go to school, play with their friends and lead a more fulfilling life. I have seen the smiles on the faces of so many kids and it has all been worth it.”
Wheelchairs for Kids CEO Greg Hebble said the award was a “well-deserved” recognition of Br Pickett’s contributions.
“Olly is just so pivotal to this whole operation,” he said. “You need a ringmaster, and he’s the man. He not only comes in five days a week, but he’ll also come in on a Saturday as well.”
Mr Hebble said the award recognised Br Pickett’s achievements, but also reflected the work of Wheelchairs for Kids.
He said there were currently 250 regular workshop volunteers with an average age of 74 years, who helped construct the wheelchairs, and another 550 people who sewed covers for them.
Mr Hebble said the organisation aimed to double production over the next three years.
FULL STORY
Wheelchairs for Kids co-founder Olly Pickett stunned by WA Senior Australian of the Year honour (By Chloe Henville and Glenn Barndon, ABC News)
