BROTHER THOMAS OLIVER PICKETT AM: A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND INNOVATION IN WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
BY TANGIORA HINAKI AND MARION CHEEDY
UPDATE
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR WINNER FROM WA!BR. THOMAS OLIVER PICKETT AM: A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND INNOVATION IN WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
When Thomas Oliver Pickett co-founded Wheelchairs For Kids in 1996, little did he know that his vision would spark a global movement, improving the lives of over 60,000 children across more than 80 countries. This remarkable charity, which provides custom-built, adjustable wheelchairs to children in developing nations, is the culmination of Thomas's unwavering dedication to service and his deep commitment to creating a world of equal opportunities for all.
“It gives me satisfaction to see a kid who has been lying on the ground for some time through no fault of their own, maybe because of the way they were born or because they may have developed malaria., Brother Thomas explained. So now the kids with a wheelchair, after they’re fitted properly, can get to school and play with their friends instead of lying on the ground or sitting against the wall. It helps the whole family, not only the children.”
Br. Ollie Pickett is a former priest at St Luke's College Karratha in Karratha who helped establish both St Luke's College and St Paul's Primary School Karratha in Karratha. Ollie Pickett Drive, which leads to the administration and technology centre, is named in his honour.
At the heart of Wheelchairs For Kids is a simple but transformative mission: to provide children with mobility, independence, and dignity. These custom wheelchairs, designed and manufactured by volunteers, are offered free of charge to children in need. They are built to be adjustable, allowing them to grow with the child and ensuring long-term usability. This innovative design is life-changing for the children and aligned with World Health Organisation standards, making it a model of efficiency and affordability.
In an inspiring twist, Thomas’s low-cost, growable wheelchair design – a world first – was developed with input from skilled volunteers, including retired engineers, mechanics, and craftspeople. These volunteers, many of whom are aged 74 on average, work tirelessly in Wheelchairs For Kids’ workshops, assembling the chairs and contributing to the project’s success.
With over 250 retirees giving their time, the charity has become one of Western Australia’s largest and oldest volunteer-led organisations. Their efforts are complemented by 550 volunteers from aged care and community groups, who contribute by sewing soft covers for wheelchair cushions, crocheting blankets, and making soft toys for the children. The vast network of volunteers, united by the common goal of improving children’s lives, underscores the profound impact of Thomas’s vision, which has rippled out to touch the hearts of thousands.
In recognition of his tireless efforts to improve the lives of others, Thomas was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), a well-deserved honor for his extraordinary contributions to community service and humanitarian work. Thomas is also a finalist in the ‘Australian of the Year’ Awards 2024.