Latest news with #WheelchairsforKids
The Advertiser
11-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
How $275 turbocharged Olly Pickett's wheelchair mission for kids
If being named Senior Australian of the Year came as a surprise, it didn't prepare Brother Olly Pickett for what came after. In the three days it took to return to Western Australia after the January ceremony in Canberra, $324,000 in donations had rolled into Wheelchairs for Kids, the charity the Christian Brother set up in 1998. And the money's been pouring in ever since. Olly puts the response down to putting a dollar figure on transforming a child's life. "Each of us was told to write a speech as if we'd won it," he explains of the awards process. Looking at a draft of Olly's speech, an awards organiser asked how much it cost for the charity to make a wheelchair. "I said $275 and she said 'Make you sure you put that in your speech', which I did." After Olly's acceptance speech, donations of $275 rolled in from around the country. "It kept coming from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, all over, South Australia, everywhere. Intermingled among these $275 were donations of $10,000, $5000, $1000." Those who tuned in to Olly's speech were clearly moved by the realisation that such a small amount of money could transform a child's life. Speaking from Perth, his passion for the charity he's run for 27 years is infectious. He's warm and kind and there's no hint of his dedication slowing with age. Wheelchairs for Kids was the brainchild of a Rotarian who visited Fiji in the mid 1990s and was shocked to see disabled children isolated and floor-bound. Returning to Australia, he fashioned wheelchairs from old bicycle parts. Two years later the idea was taken up by the Rotary Club of Scarborough. It approached Brother Olly who had set up a metal workshop to equip teens who had dropped out of mainstream schooling with skills. "That's where we first started to do the wheelchairs," Olly says. From there, the charity grew. Its factory with 50 volunteers now makes 120 a week. These are shipped to communities in Africa, Asia as well as to remote areas in Australia. "I can see the great benefit these kids are getting from having a wheelchair after sitting on the ground for so many years," Olly says. "They are able to get off the ground and have some dignity and mobility and get to school and play with their friends." The volunteers also benefit, something recognised by the WA government, which helps fund Wheelchairs for Kids: "The reason they do that is for the wellbeing of the volunteers. It's a wonderful thing for the people to be able to come to this place and do something meaningful with people around them instead of sitting at home after they retire". Olly says many great friendships have been formed on the factory floor: "Some of them have lost their husbands or wives or whatever and they make really nice friends with each other. If they have caravans they go away together, that sort of stuff. Or on cruises, But they always come back again". Lives are enriched not only on the factory floor. Wheelchairs for Kids also involves elderly residents in aged care homes who knit and crochet rugs and soft toys which the charity distributes with its wheelchairs. After Wheelchairs for Kids was given a national platform, Olly recognises the value of the Australian of the Year Awards: "I really hadn't taken much notice of them. You don't even think of these things because you just come to work every day and do what you do". Until Olly spoke about his charity work at a reunion of former students: "A few of them came into our factory the next week and saw what was going on and they were pretty inspired. Then they put together a submission to Canberra and the rest is history". Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at If being named Senior Australian of the Year came as a surprise, it didn't prepare Brother Olly Pickett for what came after. In the three days it took to return to Western Australia after the January ceremony in Canberra, $324,000 in donations had rolled into Wheelchairs for Kids, the charity the Christian Brother set up in 1998. And the money's been pouring in ever since. Olly puts the response down to putting a dollar figure on transforming a child's life. "Each of us was told to write a speech as if we'd won it," he explains of the awards process. Looking at a draft of Olly's speech, an awards organiser asked how much it cost for the charity to make a wheelchair. "I said $275 and she said 'Make you sure you put that in your speech', which I did." After Olly's acceptance speech, donations of $275 rolled in from around the country. "It kept coming from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, all over, South Australia, everywhere. Intermingled among these $275 were donations of $10,000, $5000, $1000." Those who tuned in to Olly's speech were clearly moved by the realisation that such a small amount of money could transform a child's life. Speaking from Perth, his passion for the charity he's run for 27 years is infectious. He's warm and kind and there's no hint of his dedication slowing with age. Wheelchairs for Kids was the brainchild of a Rotarian who visited Fiji in the mid 1990s and was shocked to see disabled children isolated and floor-bound. Returning to Australia, he fashioned wheelchairs from old bicycle parts. Two years later the idea was taken up by the Rotary Club of Scarborough. It approached Brother Olly who had set up a metal workshop to equip teens who had dropped out of mainstream schooling with skills. "That's where we first started to do the wheelchairs," Olly says. From there, the charity grew. Its factory with 50 volunteers now makes 120 a week. These are shipped to communities in Africa, Asia as well as to remote areas in Australia. "I can see the great benefit these kids are getting from having a wheelchair after sitting on the ground for so many years," Olly says. "They are able to get off the ground and have some dignity and mobility and get to school and play with their friends." The volunteers also benefit, something recognised by the WA government, which helps fund Wheelchairs for Kids: "The reason they do that is for the wellbeing of the volunteers. It's a wonderful thing for the people to be able to come to this place and do something meaningful with people around them instead of sitting at home after they retire". Olly says many great friendships have been formed on the factory floor: "Some of them have lost their husbands or wives or whatever and they make really nice friends with each other. If they have caravans they go away together, that sort of stuff. Or on cruises, But they always come back again". Lives are enriched not only on the factory floor. Wheelchairs for Kids also involves elderly residents in aged care homes who knit and crochet rugs and soft toys which the charity distributes with its wheelchairs. After Wheelchairs for Kids was given a national platform, Olly recognises the value of the Australian of the Year Awards: "I really hadn't taken much notice of them. You don't even think of these things because you just come to work every day and do what you do". Until Olly spoke about his charity work at a reunion of former students: "A few of them came into our factory the next week and saw what was going on and they were pretty inspired. Then they put together a submission to Canberra and the rest is history". Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at If being named Senior Australian of the Year came as a surprise, it didn't prepare Brother Olly Pickett for what came after. In the three days it took to return to Western Australia after the January ceremony in Canberra, $324,000 in donations had rolled into Wheelchairs for Kids, the charity the Christian Brother set up in 1998. And the money's been pouring in ever since. Olly puts the response down to putting a dollar figure on transforming a child's life. "Each of us was told to write a speech as if we'd won it," he explains of the awards process. Looking at a draft of Olly's speech, an awards organiser asked how much it cost for the charity to make a wheelchair. "I said $275 and she said 'Make you sure you put that in your speech', which I did." After Olly's acceptance speech, donations of $275 rolled in from around the country. "It kept coming from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, all over, South Australia, everywhere. Intermingled among these $275 were donations of $10,000, $5000, $1000." Those who tuned in to Olly's speech were clearly moved by the realisation that such a small amount of money could transform a child's life. Speaking from Perth, his passion for the charity he's run for 27 years is infectious. He's warm and kind and there's no hint of his dedication slowing with age. Wheelchairs for Kids was the brainchild of a Rotarian who visited Fiji in the mid 1990s and was shocked to see disabled children isolated and floor-bound. Returning to Australia, he fashioned wheelchairs from old bicycle parts. Two years later the idea was taken up by the Rotary Club of Scarborough. It approached Brother Olly who had set up a metal workshop to equip teens who had dropped out of mainstream schooling with skills. "That's where we first started to do the wheelchairs," Olly says. From there, the charity grew. Its factory with 50 volunteers now makes 120 a week. These are shipped to communities in Africa, Asia as well as to remote areas in Australia. "I can see the great benefit these kids are getting from having a wheelchair after sitting on the ground for so many years," Olly says. "They are able to get off the ground and have some dignity and mobility and get to school and play with their friends." The volunteers also benefit, something recognised by the WA government, which helps fund Wheelchairs for Kids: "The reason they do that is for the wellbeing of the volunteers. It's a wonderful thing for the people to be able to come to this place and do something meaningful with people around them instead of sitting at home after they retire". Olly says many great friendships have been formed on the factory floor: "Some of them have lost their husbands or wives or whatever and they make really nice friends with each other. If they have caravans they go away together, that sort of stuff. Or on cruises, But they always come back again". Lives are enriched not only on the factory floor. Wheelchairs for Kids also involves elderly residents in aged care homes who knit and crochet rugs and soft toys which the charity distributes with its wheelchairs. After Wheelchairs for Kids was given a national platform, Olly recognises the value of the Australian of the Year Awards: "I really hadn't taken much notice of them. You don't even think of these things because you just come to work every day and do what you do". Until Olly spoke about his charity work at a reunion of former students: "A few of them came into our factory the next week and saw what was going on and they were pretty inspired. Then they put together a submission to Canberra and the rest is history". Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at If being named Senior Australian of the Year came as a surprise, it didn't prepare Brother Olly Pickett for what came after. In the three days it took to return to Western Australia after the January ceremony in Canberra, $324,000 in donations had rolled into Wheelchairs for Kids, the charity the Christian Brother set up in 1998. And the money's been pouring in ever since. Olly puts the response down to putting a dollar figure on transforming a child's life. "Each of us was told to write a speech as if we'd won it," he explains of the awards process. Looking at a draft of Olly's speech, an awards organiser asked how much it cost for the charity to make a wheelchair. "I said $275 and she said 'Make you sure you put that in your speech', which I did." After Olly's acceptance speech, donations of $275 rolled in from around the country. "It kept coming from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, all over, South Australia, everywhere. Intermingled among these $275 were donations of $10,000, $5000, $1000." Those who tuned in to Olly's speech were clearly moved by the realisation that such a small amount of money could transform a child's life. Speaking from Perth, his passion for the charity he's run for 27 years is infectious. He's warm and kind and there's no hint of his dedication slowing with age. Wheelchairs for Kids was the brainchild of a Rotarian who visited Fiji in the mid 1990s and was shocked to see disabled children isolated and floor-bound. Returning to Australia, he fashioned wheelchairs from old bicycle parts. Two years later the idea was taken up by the Rotary Club of Scarborough. It approached Brother Olly who had set up a metal workshop to equip teens who had dropped out of mainstream schooling with skills. "That's where we first started to do the wheelchairs," Olly says. From there, the charity grew. Its factory with 50 volunteers now makes 120 a week. These are shipped to communities in Africa, Asia as well as to remote areas in Australia. "I can see the great benefit these kids are getting from having a wheelchair after sitting on the ground for so many years," Olly says. "They are able to get off the ground and have some dignity and mobility and get to school and play with their friends." The volunteers also benefit, something recognised by the WA government, which helps fund Wheelchairs for Kids: "The reason they do that is for the wellbeing of the volunteers. It's a wonderful thing for the people to be able to come to this place and do something meaningful with people around them instead of sitting at home after they retire". Olly says many great friendships have been formed on the factory floor: "Some of them have lost their husbands or wives or whatever and they make really nice friends with each other. If they have caravans they go away together, that sort of stuff. Or on cruises, But they always come back again". Lives are enriched not only on the factory floor. Wheelchairs for Kids also involves elderly residents in aged care homes who knit and crochet rugs and soft toys which the charity distributes with its wheelchairs. After Wheelchairs for Kids was given a national platform, Olly recognises the value of the Australian of the Year Awards: "I really hadn't taken much notice of them. You don't even think of these things because you just come to work every day and do what you do". Until Olly spoke about his charity work at a reunion of former students: "A few of them came into our factory the next week and saw what was going on and they were pretty inspired. Then they put together a submission to Canberra and the rest is history". Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
The Advertiser
18-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Who inspires you? Who will you nominate for our next Australian of the Year?
Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you. Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you. Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you. Do you remember where you were when you learned that Neale Daniher AO had been named 2025 Australian of the Year? How did the news make you feel? Were you excited for him? Happy with the decision? Proud to be Australian? And did it make you think of anyone else who might also be deserving of such an honour? I've been looking at some of the online comments from around the time of the announcement and there's a strong theme that emerges: "so deserving"; "a very worthy recipient"; "unbelievably great selection"; "inspirational". Across the country, the news that Neale had received Australia's most prestigious civilian honour was greeted with great jubilation and pride. And somewhere, in a lounge room, kitchen or backyard, one Aussie in particular would have been punching the air with extra exuberance: the person who nominated Neale. READ MORE: Seeking Aussies who make us proud Because, in order for anyone to be considered for this prestigious award, they must first be nominated by a member of the public. That's where you come in. Who do you think should be the next Australian of the Year? I'll give you a moment to think about it. There are four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards: Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Australia's Local Hero and, of course, the Australian of the Year. Since 1960, the awards have shone well-deserved spotlights on the achievements, passion, excellence and community service of hundreds of great Australians: community leaders, charity workers, musicians, sportspeople, scientists, advocates, doctors and more. It's an extraordinary list of amazing people. Over the years, recipients have represented the rich diversity of our Australian community and have embodied the broad spectrum of Australian life. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW The awards have become an important part of the fabric of our society. By celebrating the very best of Australian values - kindness, compassion, excellence, ambition, generosity - the Australians of the Year help define the Australian character. These remarkable people have helped our community contemplate what it means to be Australian. Take this year's recipients, for example: 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Katrina Wruck, is a brilliant, ground-breaking scientist and a proud Mabuigilaig and Goemulgal woman whose revolutionary research is helping remote communities and inspiring others to study STEM; Senior Australian of the Year, the inspirational Brother Thomas "Olly" Pickett AM, co-founded Wheelchairs for Kids, which has provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in more than 80 countries; Australia's Local Heroes, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, have provided life-changing employment opportunities to women from disadvantaged backgrounds at their fabulous café, Stepping Stone; and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher has inspired us all with his incredible work as co-founder of FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested over $115 million for medical research to find a cure for motor neurone disease. He is a true Aussie champion. In order to be considered for their awards, each of the amazing Australians was, firstly, nominated by a member of the public. Their nominations were among thousands submitted from across Australia. Then, state and territory-based selection panels came together to discuss, deliberate then anonymously vote to choose the local recipients in each category. The state and territory recipients were announced in November 2024 - and were all then in the running for the national awards. Then, one quiet December morning, the National Australia Council came together to commence what would be two days of highly confidential discussion, debate, consideration and, ultimately, an anonymous vote to decide who, from among the state and territory awardees, will be our national recipients in each category. In January, all state and territory nominees were invited to Canberra where, on the eve of Australia Day, the Prime Minister announced the names of the national recipients. Each year, it's a wonderful, life-changing moment for the awardees, and an exciting opportunity for Australians to acknowledge these outstanding citizens. Remember, in order to reach this point, each potential recipient must first have been nominated by a member of the public. So, have you thought about who you'll nominate? CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW It's worth bearing in mind that some nominees are known to their nominator, but others are not. You might consider submitting the name of a member of the family, a friend or colleague who is an outstanding Australian making a significant difference in your community. Alternatively, you may wish to tell us about someone you've never met, but whose achievements you admire; perhaps someone you've seen on television, read about or discovered online. Some nominees - like Neale, for example - are already household names; others have been quietly working away in their field of endeavour but may not be widely known. It doesn't matter. We are looking for Australians who make a significant contribution the community, excel in their field and have the potential to inspire Australians. To the people who nominated Katrina, Olly, Hannah, Vanessa and Neale - thank you. By simply taking the time to nominate these great Australians, you have made a considerable contribution to your country and helped inspire your fellow citizens. And if you've never nominated anyone - now's the time. Who inspires you? Who is outstanding, brilliant, unique, excellent? Who will be the next Australian of the Year? If you see them, or hear about them, nominate them. It starts with you.
