Eric Neal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Sir Eric Neal AC CVO FTSE
Sir Eric Neal in Adelaide 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, born on June 3, 1924, is an Australian who was born in Britain. He had a long and important career. He worked as a leader in universities, banking, and manufacturing. Sir Eric was also the Commissioner of Sydney from 1987 to 1988. Later, he served as the Governor of South Australia from 1996 to 2001. After that, he became the Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010.

Sir Eric Neal's Career Journey

Sir Eric Neal first trained as an engineer at the South Australian School of Mines. This school is now part of the University of South Australia. He became a very successful businessman. A big part of his career was spending 14 years as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a company called Boral. He also helped lead other major companies like Westpac, a big bank, and Atlas Copco Australia.

Sir Eric was known as a strong leader. He helped companies make good profits for many years. He also led many government advisory groups. He was the National Chairman for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award from 1984 to 1992. He also served as the President of the Order of Australia Association.

In 1996, Sir Eric Neal was chosen to be the Governor of South Australia. He was the first person from the business world to hold this important job. He lived at Government House, Adelaide during his time as Governor. He served until 2001. After that, he became the Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010.

Work with the Defence Sector

Sir Eric Neal also had special roles with 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 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 system. In 1992, he received a special award from the United States Department of Defence. This was for his work in organizing events to remember the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

From 2009, Sir Eric led the Veterans Advisory Council in South Australia. His work helped create the Memorial Walk in Kintore Avenue. He retired from this role in 2016. This marked the end of 76 years of working in both private companies and for the public.

Community Involvement

Sir Eric Neal was very involved in community work. From 1984 to 1992, he was the National Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia. He also served as an International Trustee for the Award from 1987 to 1997. He and his wife, Lady Joan Neal, were World Fellows of this international award program.

Honours and Awards

Sir Eric Neal has received many honours for his work:

• 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 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 is the First Principal Patron of the Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health at the University of Adelaide.
• He has honorary doctorates from the University of Sydney, University of South Australia (1996), and Flinders University.
• He is a Patron of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
• He received the Gold Distinguished Service Medal from The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia in 2016.

	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. His family moved to Adelaide, Australia, in February 1927. He married Joan Bowden in 1950. They had two sons. 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.

Images for kids

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  Sir Eric Neal in Adelaide in 2016

See also

In Spanish: Eric Neal para niños