Newcastle Farewells Former Lord Mayor and Developer Jeff McCloy 1949-2025

27 June 2025

newy.com.au – The City of Newcastle have paid tribute to the passing of former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy, who battled motor neurone disease and opted for Voluntary Assisted Dying. A respected figure in the Hunter region, Mr McCloy was known for his substantial contributions to property development, community building and public life over several decades.

Mr McCloy served as Newcastle’s Lord Mayor from 2012 to 2014, during which he championed major urban renewal projects, including the removal of the heavy rail line through the city centre and was credited with reinvigorating development and restoring momentum to civic projects.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge described Mr McCloy as “one of the region’s most successful business people,” highlighting his leadership following the 1989 earthquake when he oversaw the fast-tracked completion of the John Hunter Hospital. “This was crucial to Newcastle‘s recovery and reconstruction,” Cr Kerridge said. He also noted Mr McCloy’s philanthropic efforts, stating, “He quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull paid tribute to Mr McCloy’s lasting influence on Newcastle’s trajectory. “He got Newcastle moving again,” Cr Pull said. “The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city.”

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy’s belief in the city’s potential was instrumental in changing perceptions. “Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn’t,” Mr Bath said. “We today almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn’t always the case.”

Mr McCloy was born in Belmont and earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Newcastle. After working in Sydney with Lend Lease and the Public Works Department, he returned to Belmont in the late 1970s to join the construction firm founded by his father, eventually taking over leadership. As Chairman of the McCloy Group, he guided the transition to property development, delivering residential estates, employment hubs and retirement communities across the Hunter.

His proudest professional achievement was the completion of the John Hunter Hospital, finished a year ahead of schedule. In 2009, he received the City of Newcastle Medal in recognition of his service to the community and philanthropic contributions.

Mr McCloy’s legacy also includes extensive support for local charities, public art, and community organisations. During his mayoralty, he donated his entire council salary to groups such as the Salvation Army and Wesley Mission Newcastle. He was also a significant benefactor to the University of Newcastle, contributing $1 million to its Alumni House project.

In 2014, Mr McCloy resigned as Lord Mayor after becoming embroiled in a New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation into political donations. He admitted to making prohibited donations to several state election campaigns, though he denied any wrongdoing and was not criminally charged.

Former Deputy Lord Mayor Brad Luke remembered Mr McCloy as “the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with,” adding, “Our community has lost a great man but the benefits of his love for the area will go on forever.”

Details regarding a public celebration of Jeff McCloy’s life will be shared by his family in due course.