Walkers to honour McCloy’s memory on first anniversary of his passing
The memory of former City of Newcastle (CN) Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy will be honoured in a deeply moving way this week.
As the first anniversary of the passing of the influential businessman approaches, his one-time work colleagues are expected to join Coastal Wayfarers representatives on Wednesday 17 June to complete the Walk to Defeat MND.
Mr McCloy lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease in 2025 after a 12-month battle.
So, the event holds special significance for those who knew him.
The participants will also pay homage to Coastal Wayfarers member Narelle Houlcroft, who only died from MND earlier this month.
Sadly, the Walk to Defeat MND coincides with the loss of much-loved advocate Neale Daniher AO and the recent diagnosis of NRL star Jai Arrow, which shocked the national sporting community.
“The McCloy Group team, along with friends and locals, will undertake the journey in Jeff and Narelle’s memory while supporting those impacted by MND,” a spokesperson said.
“We’re hoping to bring awareness to assist in the search for better treatments with the long-term goal of ultimately a cure.
“The route begins at Queens Wharf and follows Newcastle’s iconic coastline through Nobbys Beach and Newcastle Beach before finishing at Redhead Beach.
“Jeff was widely-recognised for his commitment to the Hunter, his generosity through philanthropy and his dedication to supporting local communities.
“The Walk to Defeat MND provides an opportunity to celebrate those values through community connection, resilience and generosity.
“Residents are encouraged to support the initiative through donations and by helping raise awareness of MND.
“Every contribution will assist ongoing research and services for individuals and families living with the disease.”
Mr McCloy grew up in Belmont and gained a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Newcastle (UoN), which took him into the Sydney high-rise game via a brief stint with Lend Lease.
He returned to the area 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.
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 enriched communities across the region.
In 2009, he was awarded the City of Newcastle Medal for highly-distinguished service to the city and community.
Mr McCloy also served as 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 CBD, too.
NEWCASTLE WEEKLY
17 JUNE 2026
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