Description of Content

Hubert Opperman posed in riding position on his Malvern Star branded motorpacing bicycle.

Significance

Museums Victoria holds Australia's largest and most significant collection of memorabilia relating to the remarkable cycling career of Sir Hubert Opperman (1904 -1996), Australia's most famous cyclist of the 20th century. He became an Australian household name in the 1920s and 1930s as a result of his cycling achievements and was the most well-known public face of the Malvern Star brand. Australian cycling's most distinguished award, "The Oppy", is named in his honour. The museum's collection includes two important racing bicycles, as well as several trophies, sashes, medals, certificates and photographs covering most of his major achievements in his cycling career. At the height of the 1930s depression, 'Oppy' was a household name throughout Australia, regarded popularly alongside Donald Bradman and Phar Lap in his sporting achievements and engagement with the general public. He was one of the few Australian sporting identities to go on to successful later careers in both business and politics, as a director of the Malvern Star companies and a Federal Minister in the Menzies Government, during which he made a significant contribution to Australia's post WWII immigration policy.

At the time that this photograph was taken, Hubert Opperman was Australia's most famous cyclist. His rise to local and international fame was closely influenced by his longterm association with Bruce Small, and Bruce Small Pty Ltd and its "Malvern Star" branded bicycles, as the bicycle manufacturer's most popular rider. It shows the reach of the Malvern Star brand, which began in Melbourne in 1903 by bicycle mechanic Tom Finnigan, using his winnings from the prestigious Austral cycling race in 1898. The brand grew rapidly after the business was acquired by Bruce Small in 1920, to become Australia's most recognisable bicycle, through its establishment of offices in other States.

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