It is with great sadness that the McCloy Group announces the passing of our founder and leader, Jeffrey Raymond McCloy. Jeff was more than just a boss to the people of McCloy Group; he was a beloved and inspirational leader who deeply cared for those who worked for him.

Jeff was affectionately known as the boy from Belmont who came from humble beginnings and rose to become one of the region’s most successful and well-known businessmen. In 2008, he won the Hunter Business Chamber Businessperson of the Year, and in 2009, he won the City of Newcastle Medal.

Jeff was the second eldest of 4 boys and grew up in a very modest house in Belmont. His early years in Belmont were spent fishing, surfing, and playing rugby league for Lakes United Seagulls; and in recent years Jeff was honoured as a Life Member of the Club. He attended Belmont Primary School, Belmont High School, and then Newcastle University, where he completed a degree in Civil Engineering.

His early career involved working for his father, Don, in the family business, DF McCloy being a Belmont based commercial building company. Following his graduation from Newcastle University, Jeff moved to Sydney to work for Sydney Water and then Lend Lease on the MLC Centre. Jeff rejoined his father in the mid-seventies, taking over the reins in the mid-eighties after ten years of working together. One of Jeff’s early successes was the construction of the $150 million John Hunter Hospital, the region’s largest hospital which he was able to deliver a year ahead of schedule.

In the 1990s, the McCloy Group diversified considerably, reflecting Jeff’s innovative approach and business acumen. Jeff pivoted the company towards real estate investment and development with a focus on creating outstanding master planned communities. This was achieved through Jeff’s attention to detail, focus on family living and his passion for public art.

His interests and passions were more than property and development. In 2006, he embarked on designing and building a superyacht named Seafaris that was designed specifically for luxury charter on the Great Barrier Reef. The superyacht was built locally at Forgacs shipyard, before being moved to Cairns, the base for his luxury charter business. In 2007, Seafaris took out the top prize in its class at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards in Venice. Jeff’s other great passions were fishing and cooking. His fishing stories are legendary, and his culinary skills enviable. His times spent fishing with his brothers were some of his fondest memories.

Jeff was a passionate man who dreamed big, wanted the best for Newcastle, and always gave back to the community. His generosity through philanthropy made him one of a kind. Time and time again, he would give back to the community, including supporting the following organisations:

  • Salvation Army
  • Mark Hughes Foundation
  • Sione Foundation
  • Jenny’s Place
  • Build for a Cure – One at Billy’s Lookout and one at The Bower
  • Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club
  • And more recently Motor Neurone Disease

Jeff never sought recognition for his generosity; rather, he believed it was an important part of his role as a businessman living and working within the Newcastle community. Jeff’s service to the Newcastle community included his time as Lord Mayor of Newcastle between 2012 and 2014.

Jeff was sadly diagnosed with MND in June 2024, although he suspected that he had been impacted by MND for several years prior to diagnosis. Not one to complain, Jeff accepted his diagnosis and “simply” got on with life in full knowledge of the impact of this debilitating disease. Jeff regrettably succumbed to the disease on Friday 27th June, but not before donating $1million towards Macquarie University’s Motor Neurone Disease Research Centre aimed at curing this hideous disease.

Jeff will be remembered in many ways, including his leadership, courage, generosity, vision, bravery, and honesty. His vision for the McCloy Group will remain and continue through the leadership team that Jeff mentored, supported, and encouraged.

As we say goodbye to Jeff, we ask that everyone respect his family’s privacy, and instead of sending flowers, please donate to MND NSW who provide information, support and education for people living with motor neurone disease at
https://www.mndnsw.org.au

Jeff is survived by his five children, Charlie, Louise, William, Hayley & Blake and his eight grandchildren.

“Enjoy your life, live with passion, don’t be afraid, have a go, and you will live a good life.”

Jeffrey Raymond McCloy

For media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Broad
02 4945 7500