Introducing The Br Olly Pickett Factory
The 21st of July was not only a day to celebrate the production of our 70,000th wheelchair. It was also a day to celebrate the remarkable contribution of Br Thomas Oliver “Olly” Pickett.
Olly has devoted much of his life to service and community. His vision, dedication and practical leadership have shaped Wheelchairs For Kids Australia and helped turn the vision of the project into reality.
After retiring from full-time teaching in the early 1990s, Olly developed a manual arts work-skills program at Girrawheen Senior High School. He later moved the program to a small workshop in Wangara, where young people from various schools and backgrounds were given the opportunity to develop practical skills and thrive.
It was from this workshop that Olly’s involvement with the wheelchair project began.
In 1996, members of the Scarborough Rotary Club approached Olly about building wheelchairs from recycled bicycle parts. The initial plan was to produce ten wheelchairs, but Olly quickly recognised that the design was too impractical to produce at scale and reluctantly turned the project down.
For many people, that might have been the end. For Olly, it remained a problem to be solved.
In 1998 he developed a wheelchair design using new materials, recognising that recycling bicycle parts would not provide a sustainable way to produce the wheelchairs at scale. Scarborough Rotarians recognised the potential of his new design and commissioned 20 wheelchairs.
This was only the beginning.
Wheelchairs For Kids was incorporated soon afterwards and continuous production began from late 1998. From one regular volunteer working in a small workshop, Olly helped build the remarkable volunteer workforce we affectionately know today as the “Blue Army.” For almost three decades, he has served as our Volunteer Factory Manager alongside inaugural volunteer CEO Gordon Hudson, who retired in 2023. Gordon, a Scarborough Rotarian, played an extraordinary role in helping shape the organisation and its growth.
Olly’s knowledge, unwavering energy and high standards can be seen throughout the factory and in every wheelchair that leaves its doors. Even today, he remains a vital part of daily life at the factory — guiding, encouraging, solving problems and reminding us why this project matters.
Recognising a lifetime of service
Olly has received numerous honours over the years, including being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, receiving the John Curtin Medal, a Distinguished Service Medal from The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and being named 2025 Senior Australian of the Year and 2025 Western Australian of the Year.
Yet those who know Olly understand that recognition has never been what drives him.
His focus has always been on the children and their families, our volunteers and supporters, and the next container of wheelchairs that needs to be sent. The production of wheelchair number 70,000 is an extraordinary achievement. It belongs to every volunteer, donor, partner and supporter who has contributed to this work over almost three decades.
It is therefore fitting that the place where this life-changing work takes place every day should proudly bear Olly’s name.
In recognition of his extraordinary service and contribution to Wheelchairs For Kids Australia, we have officially declared our manufacturing centre the Br Olly Pickett Factory. A beautiful plaque, made and generously donated by Ascot Sign Co., now overlooks the production of wheelchairs and will remain as a lasting tribute to Olly’s remarkable contribution.
Olly gave an emotional speech of thanks, acknowledging the many people who have shared his vision over almost 30 years. With his sister and nephew by his side, it was a truly special moment. From a simple idea shared among Rotarians to 70,000 wheelchairs reaching children around the world, this milestone belongs to an entire community.
70,000 wheelchairs. More than 80 countries. Almost 30 years of service.
And the journey continues.
Br Olly Pickett with his nephew Martin, sister Isobel, Dr Anne Aly MP and long-time volunteer Beppie