Australian cycling legend’s legacy for Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital

The family of Australian cycling champion Sir Hubert Opperman has left a significant donation in his name to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital to help it continue providing lifesaving veterinary care for Australian wildlife.

Sir Hubert, affectionately known as Oppy, enjoyed an outstanding cycling career spanning almost thirty years, breaking records in Australia, France and England in the 1920s and 30s. A high achiever in Australian sport and public service, Oppy joined the Royal Australian Air Force for five years during World War II, was a minister in the Menzies government, and established the Australian High Commission in Malta.

Sir Hubert’s daughter-in law Lorraine Opperman made contact with the Wildlife Hospital in 2023 to offer a $50,000 donation in the Australian champion’s name.

‘Hubert had a deep love of the bush and travelled the length and breadth of Australia in cycling marathons and long-distance races,’ said Ms Opperman. ‘He and his wife Mavys maintained a love of wildlife all their lives.

‘When my son Anthony, Oppy’s grandson and I heard about the work the wildlife hospital does saving injured native animals, we knew it would be something Oppy would love to be able to support.

‘We’re delighted to see his name associated with the hospital at its permanent home at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.’

Generous contribution

‘Oppy was not only a pioneer and giant of cycling, but a humble ambassador for his country and the sport through which he achieved his fame,’ said Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil.

‘We’re proud to commemorate both his achievements and his passion for wildlife through the generous contribution of the Opperman family.’

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital provides professional veterinary services to sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, free of charge.

From its base in Northern NSW, it has treated approximately 6,000 patients since opening its doors in October 2020. It is the only all-species wildlife hospital operating in NSW, apart from Taronga Wildlife Hospitals in Sydney and Dubbo.

It is also the only mobile wildlife hospital in Australia, with the capacity to go to the site of a natural disaster like a bushfire, flood, or mass disease outbreak to help wildlife.