11 Dec  1895

Bruce Small born Ryde, New South Wales, Australia

29 May 1904

Hubert Opperman born Rochester, Victoria, Australia.

1 Jun 1920

Bruce Small buys the Malvern Star Cycle interests from Tom Finnigan, including the shop at 185 Glenferrie Rd Malvern, Melbourne, Victoria.

1921

Shop enlarged. Modern front fitted. Frank and Ralph Small join Bruce Small as assistants. Bicycle production is 5 per week. 

"Oppy" wins the Malvern Star prize in the Cycle Traders 80.

1922

Hubert Opperman joins the staff on a full time basis, working in the shop and riding for Malvern Star.

1923

First new branch at Gardenvale, Melbourne – Ralph Small as manager.

1924

"Oppy" sensation. Undisputed Australian Champion. Company records a sales record.

1925

Headquarters established at Prahran. Easy terms – "Yours for £2 down"  Ernie Ogilvy sells his interest in the company.

1926

Bruce Small Pty Ltd floated. Paid up capital, £4,500.

1927

Headquarters moved to Elizabeth St Melbourne. New South Wales headquarters established .

1928

Bruce Small takes Tour de France team abroad. Major power struggle commences between Bruce Small and the existing Wholesalers’ Association.

1929

General Accessories Pty Ltd established and floated (£6,500) as a wholesaling arm of the business. Bruce Small acquires the Hutchison Tyre Agency.

1930

Ralph Small travels abroad, arranges visits of French Champions, Mauclair and Bidot. Company promotes the Sydney – Melbourne Road Race.

1931

Bruce Small leads another Tour de France team. "Oppy" wins the Paris Brest Paris race in record time. The depression reduces the company’s annual sales.

1932

Bicycle Finance Pty Ltd floated (£12,000 nominal). Sales almost restored to pre 1929 levels.

1933

Frank Small travels overseas.  West Australian headquarters established. "Cyclo" 3 speed gears introduced.  1933 Catalogue features the "Cyclo Variable Gear"

1934

Bruce Small and "Oppy" travel to England. "Oppy" breaks the Lands End to John O’Groats and 1,000 miles World Record.

1935

Bruce Small acquires the B.S.A. franchise for Australia. "Oppy" and Australian team break a series of English records.

1936

Allied Bruce Small floated (£150,000 paid).  Queensland HQ established. "Philidyne" franchise secured from Philips.  B.S.A advertising causes sensational sales record.  1936 Catalogue has B.S.A feature.

1937

South Australian and Tasmanian HQs established. "Oppy" and team compete in Coronation 6-Day Race in London. "Oppy" breaks Australian Transcontinental record.

1938

24 Branches and 450 agencies. Phenomenal year of World Records to "Oppy".  Plans developed to enter the USA market with new range of models.

1939

War threatens parts supplies. Parts manufacturing investigated. 24 hour World Record to "Oppy".  1939 Catalogue features a full range of new models inc. One, Two, Three Four and Five Stars.

1940

Heavy defence orders. 101 records to "Oppy" who enlists in RAAF.

1941

Capital increased to £165,000. Another story to Melbourne factory. Overseas supply almost nil. Defence orders increase.

1942

Defence demands increase again. Almost dependent on own parts. Volume swelling.

1943

Biggest year in defence orders.  Branches extended with 40 returned personnel.

1944

Rehabilitation policy expanded with additional 110 returned personnel.

1945

Silver Anniversary goal reached with 100 branches and 1,000 agencies. Returned personnel now 150.  All time sales record. Bicycle production is 50,000 per year.

Oct 1946

Disastrous fire at four story factory in Sydney.

10 Dec 1949

Hubert Opperman elected to the Australian Federal Parliament for the seat of Corio.

Sid Patterson wins the professional World Championship Pursuit in Paris on a Malvern Star.

5 Feb 1960

Hubert Opperman appointed Minister for Transport.

18 Dec 1963

Hubert Opperman appointed Australian Minister for Immigration

1964

Malvern Star acquires the Moulton franchise for Australia.

1965

Electronic Industries acquire the Speedwell bicycle interests from Bennett and Wood including their Sydney factory and staff.  Speedwell and Malvern Star bikes continue to be sold under their separate names.

1967

Bruce Small elected Mayor of the Gold Coast.

10 Jun 1967

Hubert Opperman resigns from Federal Parliament to take up position of Australian High Commissioner to Malta.

1972

Bruce Small elected to the Queensland Parliament representing the seat of Surfers Paradise.

May 1980

Bruce Small dies, Gold Coast, Queensland.

Sep 1987

General Accessories announces the cessation of manufacture of bikes in Australia.

18 Apr 1996

Sir Hubert Opperman dies, Melbourne Victoria.