Australia Day: Charity founder named Senior Australian of the Year

From a West Australian workshop, Brother Olly Pickett has helped thousands of children in developing countries across the world gain their mobility.

As the co-founder of the charity Wheelchairs for Kids, he has helped to provide more than 60,000 wheelchairs for children in more than 80 countries, all of them for free.

Helping lead a team of more than 250 workshop volunteers, Brother Pickett has provided custom and adjustable wheelchairs, as well as occupational therapy exercises for children.

Wheelchairs for Kids, one of the largest volunteer-run charities in the state, also sees another 500 people in aged care and community groups sew covers for the wheelchairs and soft toys.

Through his work with the charity, Brother Pickett also designed a wheelchair to World Health Organisation standards that grows alongside the children who use them.

It’s for his charity work that the 84-year-old has been honoured as the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year.

Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said Brother Olly’s selflessness has gone on to assist thousands.

“Brother Olly’s compassion and energy are the driving forces which have brought mobility and freedom to countless children around the globe,” he said.

“He reminds us that, through volunteerism, you can truly impact the lives of others.”