Former South Australian governor Sir Eric Neal celebrates 100th birthday

A former South Australian governor shares some of his most treasured moments as he celebrates turning 100 years old.

Few people have as long a list of accomplishments as former South Australian governor Eric Neal. This month the local pioneer added one more to the list when he turned 100 on June 3.

“Very happy to have made 100 years,” he said.

The Honorable Sir Eric Neal ACCVO turned 100 in June. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Since studying engineering at SA School of Mines, Sir Eric’s career has spanned far beyond the industry. He has served not only as the governor of South Australia, but also director of Westpac Bank, Chancellor of Flinders University and chair of the Veteran's Advisory Board, among other roles.

Sir Eric said that one of his proudest moments was his first BHP board meeting.

“When I was about 40, I walked down Collins Street, Melbourne on my way to attend my first board meeting of BHP. I thought, here’s a boy, who left school at 16, state school educated, and today it is my first meeting as a director of BHP. I was really thrilled,” he said.

“I was also very proud of the fact that as an engineer, I chaired the audit committee for three years.

“As an engineer, to be chairing the audit committee of a big company is a fair accomplishment.”

Eric is a former Governor of South Australia and a Chancellor of Flinders University. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Sir Eric celebrated his birthday earlier this month in the company of 120 people, which included family, friends and distinguished guests such as former Prime Minister John Howard.

He also received a personal well-wishes from King Charles, who he met during the monarch’s visit to Australia when Sir Eric was Chief Commissioner of Sydney.