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 London, England
Died	2 September 2025(2025-09-02) (aged 101)
Nationality	Australian
Spouse	Joan Bowden ​ ​ (m. 1950; died 2023)​
Children	2
Occupation	Academic administrator, banker, manufacturing executive.

Sir Eric James Neal (3 June 1924 – 2 September 2025) was a very important Australian leader. He had a long and successful career in business, government, and education. Sir Eric was known for his strong leadership and dedication to public service.

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

Sir Eric Neal's Journey: From Engineer to Leader

Sir Eric Neal's life was full of amazing achievements. He started his journey by training to be an engineer. This education helped him become a very successful businessman.

Building Big Businesses

After his engineering studies, Sir Eric became a top leader in many companies. He spent fourteen years as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Boral, a large manufacturing company. He also served on the boards of other major companies. These included John Fairfax Holdings, BHP, Coca-Cola Amatil, and AMP. He was also the Chairperson of Westpac, a big bank, and Atlas Copco Australia.

His leadership skills were well-known. In 1992, a journalist described him as a strong and determined businessman.

Serving the Public and Government

Sir Eric also dedicated much of his time to public service. He led many government advisory groups. He was the National Chairman for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Australia from 1984 to 1992. This award helps young people develop new skills. He also served as President of the Order of Australia Association. From 1990 to 1996, he was the Chair of the Opera Foundation.

He was the Chief Commissioner for the City of Sydney from 1987 to 1988. This role meant he helped manage the city's affairs. He was also a member of the Senate at the University of Sydney.

In 1996, Sir Eric was chosen to be the Governor of South Australia. This is a very important role. The Governor represents the King or Queen in the state and helps with official duties. He was the first person from the business world to hold this position. He served until 2001. After that, he became the Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010. The Chancellor is like the head of the university.

Supporting Australia's Defence Forces

Sir Eric also had a special connection to Australia's defence forces. He was an Honorary Air Commodore for the City of Adelaide Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force. He was also an Honorary Colonel of the Royal South Australia Regiment. He was a proud honorary life member of the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL). The RSL supports veterans and their families.

In 1981, he joined a committee that looked at how Australia's defence organisations worked. In 1992, he received a special medal from the United States Department of Defence. This was for his important work in organising events to remember the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea. This battle was a key moment in World War II.

His final public role began in 2009. 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 companies and for the public.

Helping Others: Community Work

Sir Eric Neal was very involved in helping young people. He was the National Chair of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia. He held this role from 1984 to 1992. He also served as an International Trustee for the Award from 1987 to 1997. He and his wife, Lady Joan Neal, were even World Fellows of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association. This shows their deep commitment to helping young people grow.

Awards and Recognitions

Sir Eric Neal received many awards and honours for his hard work and dedication.

• He was a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
• He was one of only nine Honorary Fellows of the Australian Institute of Building.
• The Sir Eric Neal Library at the University of South Australia was opened in his honour in 2001.
• A special drawing (caricature) of 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 at the University of Adelaide.
• He received honorary doctorates from the University of Sydney, University of South Australia (1996), and Flinders University. An honorary doctorate is a special degree given to someone for their achievements.
• He was also 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.

Here are some of his highest honours:

	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

Eric James Neal was born in London, England, on 3 June 1924. His family 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 28 February 2023.

Sir Eric loved football and played for the Adelaide University Soccer Club from 1946 to 1949. He later became the club's patron, showing his continued support.

He celebrated his 100th birthday on 3 June 2024. Sir Eric Neal passed away on 2 September 2025.

See also

In Spanish: Eric Neal para niños