Neil Mulveney: 1929 ~ 2024

                                                               In the heart of the Australian print industry, there once was a visionary named Neil Mulveney. His story                                                                    begins in the small town of Campsie, where at the tender age of 11,
                                                               Neil embarked on his lifelong journey with print. He delivered 'copy' for E. Angelo & Sons, commercial                                                                      printers, and was mesmerised by the transformation of the words he carried into the printed wonders                                                                      that returned days later. This magic, this transformation, was enough to capture young Neil's heart and                                                                    set him on a path that would define his life.

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                                                               In 1940 Neil's entrepreneurial spirit had taken root in the garage of his parents' 

                                                               backyard, he was just 19 years old. It was here, where he with the Albion hand press,

                                                               he bought from Angus & Coote, his own company, Dalnor Press was born, the name

                                                               cleverly derived from his brother Ronald's, spelled backward. The Albion was made

                                                               by the wood family in England and brought it into Australia in 1867.  This humble

                                                               beginning was the seed that would grow into the towering oak that became Champion Press.

 

Neil's venture swiftly outgrew its modest origins, relocating to a shop on Stanmore Road, Petersham, in 1954. It was here that Neil acquired his first Heidelberg press, a behemoth for its time, alongside a small cylinder press and his inaugural KORD offset press. The business flourished, and after seven years, it moved once more, this time to Marrickville, continuing its ascent with the acquisition of additional presses and the eventual founding of Champion Press in 1967, following the purchase and merger with Langlea Printery.

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                                                                                           Neil's horizons expanded dramatically after his first visit in 1967 to the Drupa,                                                                                                            Dusseldorf Germany, an experience that opened his eyes to the vast possibilities                                                                                                      beyond his immediate world. In a time where Letterpress printing was still dominating                                                                                                the printing the printing world, here you he saw the upcoming of Offset printing. This                                                                                                  global perspective inspired him to venture further, leading to significant advancements                                                                                              for Champion Press, including the pivotal acquisition of a narrow web Harris M110                                                                                                    5 colour web offset press in 1987. This technology enabled the creation of 'in-line'                                                                                                      finished products, marking a new era for the company.

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                                                                                           Champion Press's rapid growth prompted Neil to purchase five acres of land in Minto,

                                                                                           establishing an 80,000-square foot complex to house the expanding operations.

 

In 1987, Neil's journey took another turn when he sold Champion Press to Hannanprint, a decision that reflected the culmination of his life's work and the dedication of his team.

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Throughout his life, Neil witnessed the monumental shifts within the printing industry, particularly the rise of digital technologies. Yet, his love for print remained unwavering. Up until his final moments, Neil reflected on his career with a fondness that only a true devotee could, declaring the years spent in print as the best of his life.

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Penrith Museum of Printing will remember Neil not just for his accomplishments but for his spirit. Neil was known for his encouragement and mentorship of the next generation, his honourable nature, and his unwavering support for the printing community and the museum. His legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and generosity, touching the lives of many and leaving an indelible mark on the print industry.

Neil Mulveney's story is not just a tale of a man and his machines but a narrative of passion, resilience, and vision. He was a champion of the print, a mentor to many, and a true gentleman of the industry, whose legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his ink-stained footsteps.