Charity founder named Senior Australian of the Year

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.

Brother Pickett dedicated his award to the charity's numerous volunteers, saying they were critical to the organisation's success.

"Nothing can be achieved unless you have good people around you. This is why our project has become a large Australian charity," he said on Saturday.

"Everyone who makes the wheelchairs is a volunteer, and a volunteer workforce comes from all various careers, far too many to mention."

Wheelchairs for Kids has seen the mobility aids sent to children in Mongolia, Laos, Cambodia, Pacific islands and throughout Africa.

Brother Pickett said the wheelchairs allowed for children with disabilities to have more than just increased movement.

"A child with a disability receives a new life, by getting off the ground, having dignity as well as mobility," he said.

"They can now go to the village school and have an education. They mix with their friends and they feel included."

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

"(His) 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."