The ACRS acknowledges with sadness the passing of Eric Chalmers on Monday 30 June 2025.
Eric was a long-standing member of the ACRS and formerly served as Chair of the ACRS ACT Chapter. He was deeply committed to advancing road safety, particularly in the area of child injury prevention, and was a passionate and respected advocate within the ACRS and the wider community.
Throughout his distinguished career, Eric made a significant contribution to road safety and community wellbeing. His many accolades include:
- Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2020, for significant service to the community through child accident prevention and road safety organisations
- Children’s Week Award – January 2019
- 3M – ACRS Diamond Road Safety Award – October 2017
- 2009 Churchill Fellowship – awarded by the NRMA-ACT Road Safety Trust to study child road safety initiatives internationally
Keith Wheatley, a friend and colleague of Eric’s, said: “Eric was a delightful person who was dedicated to numerous community organisations in the ACT. He was very active in the College and the local chapter, promoting the road safety cause through practical initiatives, championing the role of local government in the region, and advocating for the involvement of women both locally and nationally.”
Eric also served as Chief Executive of Kidsafe ACT Inc., and was widely admired for his warmth, generosity, and enduring commitment to community service.
One of Eric’s most impactful national contributions was his advocacy to address the dangers of lithium button batteries. His efforts were instrumental in driving the introduction of safer packaging to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in young children.
Eric was a dedicated member of our community. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude and greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.