McCloy Group

Jeff grew up in Belmont and gained a degree in civil engineering from Newcastle University, which took him into the Sydney high-rise construction game via a brief stint with Lend Lease.

He returned to Belmont in the late 1970s to work for and eventually run D.F. McCloy, the building company founded by his father, Don. Throughout the 1980s and ‘90s the business delivered the John Hunter Hospital, Green Point residential development, Jewells Tavern and shopping centre, and the Mattara Hotel.

Jeff has built a reputation as a massive contributor to property development and infrastructure in the Hunter region, and for being a significant player in the revival of Newcastle’s city centre.

“I like getting busted things that no one sees any value in and turning them into a useful product,” he told The Weekender Magazine after winning the Hunter Business Chamber 2008 Business Person of the Year.

“I also like creating new buildings.”

In 2009, Jeff was presented with the City of Newcastle medal in honour of distinguished service to Newcastle and its citizens. Jeff was recognised as an outspoken advocate for bringing development and prosperity to the city. His generous monetary donations, and guidance and support of charities, education and welfare groups, medical research, sports teams and clubs were recognised.