Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The news of the death of Sir Eric Neal was received with the greatest sadness.

Sir Eric Neal’s extraordinary career and contributions are well documented.

An exceptional corporate career was followed by service to various government advisory bodies, such as National Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, President of the Order of Australia Association, Chair of the Opera Foundation and Chief Commissioner of the City of Sydney.

Sir Eric was appointed the 32^nd Governor of South Australia in 1996 and held the position until 2001. He held the positions of Honorary Air Commodore of the City of Adelaide Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force and Honorary Colonel of the Royal South Australian Regiment. In 2002 Sir Eric was appointed Chancellor of Flinders University, serving in that role until 2010.

Sir Eric was admired for his deep and abiding interests in military service, commemoration and veterans’ affairs and he served as Chair of the Veterans Advisory Council in South Australia for many years. He played a pivotal role in the dedication of the first national memorial to the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans and the National ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk (South Australia). He also served as the inaugural Patron of Virtual War Memorial Australia (VWMA) from 2014, handing over the role to General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove in August 2019. After handing over the role, he remained interested in our progress and ever-willing to assist and provide guidance where needed.

VWMA is most grateful to Sir Eric for his passionate support and advocacy. He was a man of great integrity whose life of service, leadership and learning provided inspiration for all who knew him. There is no doubt that the gift of his time, his interest, his wise counsel and exceptional mentoring have made a significant difference to the status of the Memorial and for the team behind it. His impact will never be forgotten. We will miss him greatly.

We offer heartfelt condolences to Sir Eric’s extended family and all those whose lives have been touched by his spirit and support.

Sir Eric Neal, Peter Williams - Chairman VWMA, Sir Peter Cosgrove