2025 Swans Networking Evening at Mandoon Estate

The year’s annual Swans Networking Evening will feature guest speaker Brother Thomas Oliver (Olly) Picket AM.

Brother Olly was awarded the 2025 Senior Australian of the Year largely for his role in the foundation of Wheelchairs for Kids in 1996. He was presented his award in January this year by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.

Wheelchairs For Kids provides adjustable wheelchairs and occupational therapy expertise for children in developing countries, free of charge. It’s provided more than 60,000 custom-built wheelchairs to children in over 80 countries.

Brother Olly spearheaded the development of innovative, low-cost wheelchairs design to World Health Organization standards. The wheelchairs are adjustable such they that can ‘grow’ as the children do – a world first. Every week more than 250 regular volunteers attend the factory in Wangara to make the chairs and accessories.

These wheelchairs have helped thousands of children go to school, play with their friends, and lead a more fulfilling life.

83-year-old Br Olly is a retired Catholic school teacher nominated for the award earlier this year by former students at St Patrick’s College in Geraldton after sharing the organisation’s story at a school reunion.

This year’s Swans Networking Evening will commence 6.30pm Wednesday 14^th May at the award winning Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley.

Tickets can be purchased here.