A new Ryman Healthcare retirement living community in Mulgrave will proudly bear the name of Sir Hubert Opperman.
Affectionately known as ‘Oppy’, the legendary endurance cyclist hailed from Rochester.
He joins Weary Dunlop, Nellie Melba, John Flynn, Charles Brownlow, Deborah Cheetham, Raelene Boyle, and Bert Newton in having a Ryman Healthcare village named after him.
More than 100 people attended the naming launch, which was hosted by award-winning radio and TV personality Jo Stanley, at Melbourne’s Hotel Chadstone.
Opperman’s daughter-in-law Lorraine Opperman said the family was honoured that Sir Hubert had been recognised by Ryman.
“I know that Oppy would be extremely proud to have this wonderful modern village named in his honour,” she said.
A multi-record breaker and Europe’s most popular sportsman of 1928, Sir Hubert exemplified a life lived remarkably, putting Australian cycling on the map at competitions including the Tour de France, The Paris-Brest-Paris, and Bol D’or.
In later life Sir Hubert was a highly respected federal politician, finishing his career as Australia’s first High Commissioner to Malta.
Ryman Healthcare Australia CEO Cameron Holland said the new villages name emphasised the importance of healthy living.
“We named the village in Oppy’s honour because he exemplifies the importance of living a healthy, active life for one’s whole life and doing what you love for as long as you can — which he certainly did,” he said.
The village will be home to around 330 people when complete, with the first few residents already moved in.