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Sir Bruce Small : from Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast / Rachel Syers.

Sir Bruce Small : from Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast / Rachel Syers.
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ISBN 9780648367178 (paperback)
9780648367147 (hardback)
Author Syers, Rachel (author)
Title Sir Bruce Small : from Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast / Rachel Syers.
Publisher and/or associated date/s Nerang, Queensland : Debanne Pty Ltd, 2023.
Description xi, 302 pages : illustrations (some colour), portaits (some colour) ; 27 cm.
Note "The official biography"--Cover.
Includes index.
Bibliography Bibliography: pages 286-289.
Summary The extraordinary story of a man born into hardship who became a legend in Australian sport and politics, appearing in thousands of news headlines for more than half a century. A brilliant entrepreneur and visionary, Sir Bruce Small built his Malvern Star bicycle empire into a household name. Sir Bruce was manager and best friend to world champion cyclist Hubert 'Oppy' Opperman, and orchestrated some of the most historic moments in the golden era of cycling - from superstardom in France and winning 'The Ashes' of cycling in England, to spectacular endurance records such as crossing the Nullarbor and pedalling over 100,000 km in a year. Leaving Melbourne for 'retirement', he became a millionaire mayor and parliamentarian for Queensland's Gold Coast, transforming Surfers Paradise into a tourist mecca, leading promotional tours from Tasmania to Tokyo featuring meter maids and bikini models to attract holidaymakers. His unorthodox style caused controversy and his entire city council was sacked, while the public adored him as the charitable and flamboyant 'Mr Gold Coast' who stood by his morals, donated every cent of his political wages for 12 years, and developed luxury canal estates now worth billions. Years in the making, this all-encompassing official biography lifts the curtain on a life of celebration, tribulation and triumph. Rich in history and visually captivating, it features more than 260 stunning photographs - many from the Small and Opperman private collections - and highly detailed research sourced from more than 110 newspapers, books and journals. Combining this with 100 personal interviews with world champions to political leaders, including an exclusive with Oppy's son Ian Opperman, author and journalist Rachel Syers meticulously weaves the complex tapestry of a spectacular public success story and a surprising personal life of philanthropy, community service, love and loyalty.
Subjects Small, Bruce, -- Sir,1895-1980
Malvern Star (Firm)
Businesspeople -- Australia -- Biography
Real estate development -- Australia -- History
Politicians -- Queensland -- Biography
Call number 2024.052
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Item Information
Barcode Shelf Location Collection Volume Ref. Status Due Date
A00972074 2024.052
 General Collection   . Available to Museum Staff .  
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