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Jeff McCloy, former Newcastle Lord Mayor and influential businessman, passes away at 75
Jeff McCloy
, former
Newcastle Lord Mayor
and influential businessman, has passed away after battling with
motor neurone disease
(MND). He lost his battle with MND, which was diagnosed about 12 months ago, on Friday (June 27, 2025). He ended his life with
voluntary assisted dying
(VAD), according to ABC News. He only stood down as chair of the family business in January 2025 to focus on his health.
Following McCloy's death, the City of Newcastle said in a statement that he will be remembered as a prominent business leader and icon of the Hunter's development and construction industries, whose life's work made a significant contribution to the city's growth and infrastructure.
McCloy grew up in Belmont. He studied at the University of Newcastle (UoN), where he earned a degree in civil engineering. In the 1970s he joined the Belmont-based construction company DF McCloy, founded by his father, Don McCloy. Later he took over the reins of the company in the mid-80s. He served as Newcastle lord mayor between 2012 and 2014.
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Besides being a businessman, McCloy was also a renowned philanthropist who was dedicated to providing support to charitable organisations, education and welfare groups, medical research, and sports teams and clubs, while his passion for public art enriched communities across the region, according to NewCastle Weekly. He received the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009 for highly distinguished service to the city and community.
During his two-year stint as Lord Mayor, he campaigned for the removal of the heavy rail line through the city centre and Newcastle's urban renewal. He was known for being an outspoken advocate for bringing development and prosperity to the CBD, too.
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Ross Kerridge, current Lord Mayor, paid tribute to McCloy for his contribution. 'Jeff was one of the region's most successful businesspeople of recent years,' he said.
'His drive, his can-do attitude, and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success. A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction. His enthusiasm for his hometown was demonstrated by his widespread involvement in many community matters, including, notably, being the Lord Mayor,' he said.
'Less well-known is that he was a significant donor to various local charities and to public art and sculpture. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community,' he further stated.
