Br Olly WA Senior Australian of the Year 2025
The 2025 Australians of the Year for Western Australia were announced at an awards ceremony at Government House in Perth on Tuesday 12 November 2024.
We are thrilled to share that the WA winner of the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year is our very own Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM.
Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett AM played a key role in the foundation of Wheelchairs For Kids in 1996, which was established to provide adjustable wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries, free of charge. Since then, more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs have been gifted to children in over 80 countries.
Br Olly has spearheaded the development of our innovative, low-cost wheelchairs design to World Health Organization standards. The wheelchairs are adjustable such they that can ‘grow’ as the children do – a world first.
For more than 25 continuous years at Wheelchairs For Kids Australia, 83-year-old Br Olly’s life-changing community service has ignited a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.
A retired Catholic school teacher, Br Olly 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,” Brother 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,” Brother 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.”
Through this teaching and pastoral works we can only guess the lasting positive impression Br Olly has made on many children and families in Western Australia. He has worked across the Mid West, Pilbara and Perth metro.
In fact we have many former students now volunteering alongside Br Olly in our factory each day.
Congratulations to Br Olly who is such a worthy candidate. He will join other State-based winners for the national awards ceremony in Canberra on 25 January 2025.
About the Awards
The Australian of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate our diversity and honour an exceptional group of highly-respected Australians. The Australian of the Year Awards is a program of the National Australia Day Council. Each year our nation celebrates the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards by profiling leading citizens who are role models for us all. They inspire us through their achievements and challenge us to make our own contribution to creating an inclusive, harmonious and more resilient Australia.
The Awards honour an exceptional and diverse group of highly-respected Australians who ignite discussion and change on issues of national importance.
