Morton was born on 26 January 1958 in Campbelltown, South Australia. She was the middle of three children, Ann and Craig. Her parents, Joseph and Margaret, were both immigrants from Ireland and Scotland, respectively. Eleanor attended Campbelltown High, graduating at 16 years old. She then went on to study and complete a Bachelor of Education at the University of South Australia.
Career & Miss Australia Quest
Eleanor enjoyed various lines of work prior to the Miss Australia quest, including roles at the Canadian Consulate, Ansett Australia and ANZ. At age 20, Eleanor won the title of Miss South Australia and went on to compete in the established and prestigious Miss Australia Quest in the same year. For her successful charity work with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Eleanor was awarded the title of 1980's Miss Australia. The following year saw Eleanor tour both Australia and America, spreading the word of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and participating in other charity avenues, namely involving children. During her reigning year, Eleanor had the opportunity to meet Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Albert ll of Belgium, the wife of Aga Khan, Begum Khan, and actor Mark Hamill. Eleanor attended the National Museum of Australia's exhibition in 2007, "Miss Australia: A Nation's Quest", with her youngest daughter. It was there she donated her titled sashes to be displayed amongst other quest memorabilia.
Titles
Eleanor was crowned Miss South Australia in 1980, and in the following months was given the title Miss Australia.
Personal life
Shortly after the quest, Eleanor moved to Sydney, New South Wales. In 1987, Eleanor married sports commentator of the Australian PGA and ATP circuits, Michael Duff in Adelaide. In 1991, Eleanor and Michael welcomed their first child, Alexandra. In 1995, they welcomed a second daughter, Lucinda. Eleanor attended the 2007 National Museum of Australia exhibition, Miss Australia: A Nation's Quest, with her youngest daughter. Held in Canberra, Eleanor donated her Miss South Australia and Miss Australia sashes to sit alongside other memorabilia, including historic dresses, trophies and crowns amongst other items. Eleanor now lives in the Upper North Shore of Sydney.
