Wayne’s a real champion
Volunteering with Cycling Without Age and other good causes has kept this senior active and involved with the community.
Celebrating 50 Years, 50 Lives
In the lead-up to National Seniors Australia's 50th anniversary in 2026, Connect is sharing the stories of 50 people who have made contributions to the organisation over those years.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community, Wayne Sticher became the inaugural winner of National Seniors Australia’s prestigious Everald Compton Community Champion Medal.
A dedicated volunteer and advocate for social inclusion, Wayne’s work with the Cycling Without Age initiative has significantly enhanced the lives of older Australians, offering them a renewed sense of joy and connection with their communities.
Wayne’s journey into community service stems from his deep love of long-distance cycling. Over the years, he has undertaken incredible solo cycling adventures, traversing rugged landscapes from his home on Queensland’s Gold Coast to Mount Isa, Uluru, and Perth.
His personal enthusiasm for cycling has seamlessly translated into his work with Cycling Without Age, an initiative dedicated to reducing social isolation among the elderly.
At the heart of Wayne’s volunteerism is a commitment to addressing loneliness and social isolation among older Australians.
Through Cycling Without Age, he and his fellow volunteers provide trishaw rides to seniors, including those in aged care facilities, allowing them to experience the outdoors and engage with their community. The initiative fosters a sense of connection, ensuring that older people are not left behind.
One of the defining features of Cycling Without Age is its dedication to inclusivity. The initiative operates specially designed trishaws that can accommodate people of all abilities, including wheelchair users.
This ensures that even those with mobility challenges can enjoy the experience of being out in nature, feeling the wind in their hair and the warmth of the sun on their faces.
Wayne attributes the success of Cycling Without Age to the passionate volunteers who bring energy, dedication, and a sense of fun to the initiative.
He describes his team as “absolutely amazing”, noting that many are active retirees who find immense joy in giving back. The relaxed and cheerful atmosphere created by the volunteers encourages laughter and camaraderie, making each ride a pleasurable experience for both the passengers and those pedaling.
As Wayne puts it, “A lot of [the people in the local community] say, ‘All we ever see here is a bunch of people just laughing and having a good time.’”
This lighthearted approach is a key reason why the program has been so well-received by volunteers and passengers alike.
Cycling Without Age has grown rapidly across Australia, now boasting 47 locations, with plans for further expansion.
Wayne plays a crucial role in this growth, assisting with volunteer training and program development on a national scale. His leadership ensures that more elderly Australians can benefit from the program, helping to create a more inclusive society.
At 66, Wayne brings decades of experience to his volunteer work. Having served as a firefighter in Logan for 30 years, he has always been committed to helping others.
Even in retirement, he remains highly active, working as a radio operator with the marine rescue service and serving on the management committee of Cycling Without Age Australia.
He says he is busier than he was before retirement, always embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Wayne’s unwavering commitment to community service has earned him widespread recognition. In addition to the Everald Compton Community Champion Medal, and a proud member of NSA, he was a finalist for Queensland's Senior Australian of the Year award.
However, he says the greatest reward comes from the smiles of those he and his team help.
He reckons his own feelings were underscored by another volunteer who told him, “You know what? It makes me feel so good, it’s almost selfish.”
