With great sadness, we share the news that Sir Eric Neal AC CVO KStJ passed away on Tuesday morning.

Sir Eric made an extraordinary contribution to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia and internationally. He served in senior leadership roles, including as an International Trustee alongside HRH Prince Philip as Chair, National Chair in Australia, World Fellow, regular donor, and most recently, as a Life Patron of the Duke of Ed in Australia, appointed in June this year.

CEO, Peter Kaye AM ESM, who had worked with Sir Eric since the early 1980s, said “Sir Eric was always thinking of the greater good, unless that greater good was playing against Port Adelaide!”

Sir Eric is survived by his two sons, Peter and James, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Tom Mould AO, National Chair of the Duke of Ed in Australia, described Sir Eric as “a great Australian that provided inspired leadership and who when undertaking his many corporate, public and community roles, always sought to mentor and provided good counsel.”

* This recent photo (source: SA Government House/Website) was taken at a reception on his appointment as Life Patron. He is with the current Governor of SA, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC.