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Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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Brother Olly Pickett reveals big plans for the future

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Christian Brother Br Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett. Photo: www.zephotography.com.au

Christian Brother Br Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett is hardly resting on his laurels after he was chosen as Senior Australian of the Year for 2025. 

While the co-founder of Perth-based Wheelchairs for Kids says the honour is “a privilege,” he is already looking forward to his next achievement. 

The 83-year-old said his charity has provided 61,000 wheelchairs to more than 80 countries around the world. 

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Each wheelchair costs $275 to produce and 4,000 are made each year. Br Olly is determined to increase output to 6,000 a year.  

He said there had been many positive moments in his career and his “whole life’s been a bit of a highlight” but he loves seeing families be “so overjoyed” about seeing their child in a new wheelchair. 

“All of a sudden, they’re off the ground, they’ve got a wheelchair, they get to school, they get out and play with their friends, and they get an education,” he said.  

Christian Brother Br Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett, building the wheelchairs. Photo: www.zephotography.com.au

“It can make such a difference to the whole family.”  

Br Olly’s operation is comprised of mainly elderly volunteers who assist in the production of the chairs in a factory in Wangara in Western Australia. 

He said the average age of volunteers is 74 and there are a few volunteers in their 90s.  

“We’re so proud of what we do, and I think the place is fantastic,” he said. 

Br Pickett said the latest shipment of 340 wheelchairs and accessories (cloth covers, rugs and toys) was headed for Kenya. 

He said he couldn’t do the work without the “wonderful people” who volunteer and said those who packed the wheelchairs for shipping were Catholic school teachers who volunteer their time before their workday begins. 

“They come at seven o’clock, load up the container by quarter to eight until it’s all finished, then they’re off to school, because they’re young and enthusiastic.” 

Br Olly with the finished product. Photo: www.zephotography.com.au

Br Olly said his faith had always been a “huge part” of his life and he had always enjoyed assisting those in need. 

“I wanted to join the Christian Brothers because I want to try and help people,” he said.  

Other Australia Day recipients were former sports star, now advocate for Motor Neurone Disease sufferers, Neale Daniher (Australian of the Year) and scientist Dr Katrina Wruck (Young Australian of the Year). Cafe owner-operators Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello were awarded the Local Heroes for 2025. 

Many in the Catholic community were recognised with honours including former long-serving Liberal minister the late Kevin Andrews, who was posthumously made a Member of the Order of Australia. 

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