Eric Neal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Sir Eric Neal AC CVO FTSE
Neal in 2016
32nd Governor of South Australia
In office 22 July 1996 – 3 November 2001
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Premier	Dean Brown (1996) John Olsen (1996–2001)
Preceded by	Dame Roma Mitchell
Succeeded by	Marjorie Jackson-Nelson
Chief Commissioner of Sydney
In office 26 March 1987 – 31 December 1988
Preceded by	Doug Sutherland as Lord Mayor
Succeeded by	Jeremy Bingham as Lord Mayor
Councillor of the Sydney County Council for the 1st Constituency
In office 25 November 1987 – 2 January 1990
Preceded by	Jack Calpis
Succeeded by	Council abolished
Personal details
Born	Eric James Neal (1924-06-03) 3 June 1924 (age 101) London, England
Nationality	Australian
Spouse	Joan Bowden ​ ​ (m. 1950; died 2023)​
Children	2
Occupation	Academic administrator, banker, manufacturing executive.

Sir Eric James Neal is a very accomplished Australian. He was born on June 3, 1924, in London, England. He moved to Australia with his family in 1927. Sir Eric had many important jobs throughout his life. He was a leader in business, education, and government.

He served as the Commissioner of Sydney from 1987 to 1988. He was also the Governor of South Australia from 1996 to 2001. Later, he became the Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010.

Sir Eric Neal's Career Journey

Sir Eric Neal trained to be an engineer in South Australia. He became a very successful businessman. He spent 14 years as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a big company called Boral. A CEO is like the main boss of a company.

He also worked as a director for other large companies. These included John Fairfax Holdings, BHP, Coca-Cola Amatil, and AMP. He was also the chairperson for Westpac and Atlas Copco Australia.

Leadership Roles and Public Service

Sir Eric led many important government groups. He was the National Chairman for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award from 1984 to 1992. This award helps young people develop skills and serve their communities. He was also the President of the Order of Australia Association. This group recognizes Australians who have achieved great things.

He was the Chief Commissioner for the City of Sydney. This role involved managing the city's affairs. He also served on the Senate of the University of Sydney.

In 1996, Sir Eric became the Governor of South Australia. This is a very important role, representing the King or Queen in the state. He was the first person from the business world to live in Government House, Adelaide. He held this position until 2001. After that, he became the Chancellor of Flinders University. He served as Chancellor from 2002 until 2010.

Work in Defence

Sir Eric also had special roles in Australia's defence forces. He was an Honorary Air Commodore for the City of Adelaide Squadron. This is part of the Royal Australian Air Force. He was also an Honorary Colonel for the Royal South Australia Regiment. He is an honorary life member of the Returned & Services League of Australia. This group supports veterans.

In 1981, Sir Eric helped review Australia's defence organization. In 1992, he received a special medal from the United States. It was for his work in organizing events to remember the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

In 2009, he started his last public role. He became the Chair of the Veterans Advisory Council in South Australia. This work led to the opening of the Memorial Walk in Kintore Avenue. Sir Eric retired from this role in 2016. This marked the end of 76 years of working in both private and public jobs.

Community Involvement

Sir Eric was very involved in community work. He was the National Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia. He also served as an International Trustee for the award. He and his wife, Lady Joan Neal, were World Fellows of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association. This shows their dedication to helping young people worldwide.

Honours and Recognition

Sir Eric Neal has received many honours for his contributions.

• He is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
• He is one of only nine Honorary Fellows of the Australian Institute of Building.
• The Sir Eric Neal Library at the University of South Australia was named after him in 2001.
• A drawing of Sir Eric Neal was given to the National Portrait Gallery in 2001.
• Flinders University named its Engineering Building after him.
• In 2007, he became the patron of the Adelaide University Soccer Club Blacks.
• He was the first Principal Patron of the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health. This centre is at the University of Adelaide.
• He has received honorary doctorates from several universities. These include the University of Sydney, University of South Australia, and Flinders University.
• He is a patron of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
• In 2016, he received the Gold Distinguished Service Medal from The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia.

	Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)	1988
	Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)	1992
	Knight Bachelor	1982
	Knight of the Order of St John	1996
	Centenary Medal	2001
	Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service	1992
	Distinguished Service Medal – Gold	2016

Personal Life

Sir Eric Neal was born in London, England. He moved to Adelaide, Australia, in February 1927. He married Joan Bowden in 1950. They had two sons. Their first son was born in 1951, and their second son was born in 1963. Lady Thelma 'Joan' Neal passed away in Adelaide on February 28, 2023.

Sir Eric played football for the Adelaide University Soccer Club from 1946 to 1949. He later became the club's patron.

He celebrated his 100th birthday on June 3, 2024.

See also

In Spanish: Eric Neal para niños