Most people within our College community and many others in the state are aware of the great work that Br Olly Pickett has been doing with the long running Wheelchairs for Kids project. As a past member of the staff at St Mark’s College, one of our two foundation schools, Br Olly continues his connection with Chisholm and is held in the highest esteem by everyone in our community.

In the last couple of days, Br Olly has been named as the WA Senior Australian of the Year, a tremendous acknowledgement and is a now a candidate for the National Award for Senior Australian. At the recent Auspire’s awards presentation ceremony, Br Olly was presented with the award and the following citation, along with three others:

Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Pickett AM co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids in 1996 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.

With over 250 retiree workshop volunteers, Wheelchairs for Kids is one of Western Australia’s largest (and with an average age of 74, one of Australia’s oldest) volunteer-led charities. A further 550 people from aged care and community groups sew covers for wheelchair soft supports, and crochet rugs and soft toys.

Olly also spearheaded the development of an innovative, low-cost wheelchair design to World Health Organization standards that grows as the children do – a world first. Wheelchairs for Kids is just one way that Olly has improved the lives of others.

For 26 continuous years, 83-year-old Olly’s life-changing community service has ignited a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.

Congratulations Br Olly and well done from all of us.

On Monday morning, I, along with some members of the Executive Leadership Team, attended the annual breakfast at the Edmund Rice Centre. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast while listening to an inspiring talk by Ricky Grace, the NBL member and Olympic champion. The event aimed to raise funds for various programmes, ranging from leadership and sports to life skills, supporting young people and families who have recently migrated to Australia.

Mr John Bormolini
Principal