It is with great sadness that City of Newcastle acknowledges the passing of former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy following his battle with motor neurone disease.
Mr McCloy 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.
The well-known businessman served as Newcastle Lord Mayor from 2012 to 2014, campaigning for the removal of the heavy rail line through the city centre and Newcastle's urban renewal.
He was recognised as an outspoken advocate for bringing development and prosperity to the city.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge paid tribute to Mr McCloy's contributions to the city.
"Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Cr Kerridge said.
"A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new 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. 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."
Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull reflected on the achievements of Mr McCloy.
"Jeff became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," Cr Pull said.
"He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city.
"I hope that today Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home."
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city.
"Jeff McCloy served for two years as the Lord Mayor of Newcastle but his true legacy is as a property developer for more than fifty years," Mr Bath said.
"Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. We today almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case.
"Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city."
Former Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Brad Luke celebrated Mr McCloy's passion.
"Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said.
"He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community.
"Our community has lost a great man but the benefits of his love for the area will go on forever."
Mr McCloy grew up in Belmont and gained a degree in Civil Engineering from Newcastle University. In the late 1970s he joined the Belmont-based construction company founded by his father, Don, before taking over the reins in the mid-80s.
As the Chairman of the McCloy Group, he oversaw significant residential, commercial, and retirement living projects across Newcastle and the Hunter region, nominating the construction of the John Hunter Hospital as his proudest professional achievement.
Known for his philanthropy, Mr McCloy was dedicated to supporting charitable organisations, education and welfare groups, medical research, sports teams and clubs, while his passion for public art has enriched communities across the region and supported local artists.
Mr McCloy was awarded the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009 for highly distinguished service to the city and community of Newcastle and outstanding contributions to the philanthropic support of charitable and community organisations.
Details of the celebration of Jeff McCloy's life will be shared by his family.
