Latest news with #Jeff
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Jeff McCloy tributes: 'We were Statler and Waldorf'
Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "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," Lord Mayor Ross 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." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. 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," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy 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," he 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 chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we 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." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "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." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "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," Lord Mayor Ross 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." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. 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," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy 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," he 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 chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we 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." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "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." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "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," Lord Mayor Ross 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." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. 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," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy 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," he 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 chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we 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." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "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." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "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," Lord Mayor Ross 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." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. 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," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy 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," he 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 chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we 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." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "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." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse."
Irish Daily Star
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding ceremony underway as Whitney Houston song blares
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez grand wedding ceremony in Venice is officially underway with Whitney Houston's anthem Higher Love heard blaring from the venue. The couple are exchanging vows surrounded by a host of celebrity friends to celebrate their union . Guests including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates, Barbara Streisand and Ivanka Trump have been seen arriving at the venue to join them for their lavish nuptials. The couple rented out the entire Aman Venice hotel for their stay, hosting a welcome party for their guests at the Madonna dell'Orto church which had to draw to a close earlier than planned due to a thunderstorm. They also entertained their celebrity friends with a pre-wedding foam party aboard his $500 million megayacht, Koru. Read More Related Articles Jeff Bezos' dad lands in Venice as Lauren Sanchez wedding hit with last minute chaos Read More Related Articles Lauren Sanchez spotted arriving at Venice hotel ahead of Jeff Bezos wedding The relationship between Jeff, 61, and Lauren, 55, sparked controversy when it came to light that the Amazon founder had been secretly taking then-married Lauren on exotic getaways and arranging clandestine meetings, all while he was still married to his wife of 25 years, Mackenzie Scott. Meanwhile, Lauren was still married to her now ex-husband Patrick Whitesell. Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos at the Aman Hotel in Venice The Enquirer brought Lauren and Jeff's affair into the public eye in January 2019, at a time when both were still legally married. The tabloid alleged that Lauren and Jeff had been involved in an eight-month-long affair, marked by secret meet-ups and explicit text exchanges, including risqué messages and provocative selfies sent by Lauren. The publication claimed to have followed the pair across five states and over 40,000 miles, documenting their travels in private jets, limousines, and helicopters, their romantic hikes, stays in luxury hotels, intimate dinner dates, and "quality time in hidden love nests." In response to these allegations, Jeff penned an open letter to the CEO of the publication, David Pecker, accusing them of blackmail. He wrote, "Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I've decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten. Jeff and Lauren caused controversy with their romance (Image: AFP via Getty Images) "[After] intimate text messages from me were published in the National Enquirer, I engaged investigators to learn how those texts were obtained, and to determine the motives for the many unusual actions taken by the Enquirer. "We were then approached with an offer. They said they had more of my text messages and photos that they would publish if we didn't stop our investigation." He went on to say, "If in my position I can't stand up to this kind of extortion, how many people can. Of course I don't want personal photos published, but I also won't participate in their well-known practice of blackmail, political favors, political attacks, and corruption. I prefer to stand up, roll this log over, and see what crawls out." For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's love story as pair tie the knot
Ahead of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding ceremony in Venice today, let's take a look at their love story so far, from the initial meeting to their lavish engagement The biggest stars have descended upon Venice for a three-day wedding extravaganza as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez tie the knot. Famous faces such as Orlando Bloom, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner have been spotted in the Italian city ahead of the nuptials. According to People, the pair hosted a welcome party for their 200 guests in a closed cloister adjacent to the Madonna dell'Orto church on Thursday evening. According to the publication, the bride-to-be wore a gold satin dress, which is a look from Schiaparelli's Spring-Summer 2025 Haute Couture Spring Collection. This will be both Jeff and Lauren's second marriage after splitting from previous spouses, MacKenzie Scott and Patrick Whitesell respectively. Jeff met MacKenzie back in 1992 before tying the knot the following year. They share four children, three sons and a daughter adopted from China. Meanwhile, Lauren was married to Patrick from 2005 to 2019. Ahead of Jeff and Lauren getting married today (June 27), let's take a look at their love story from how they first met to their lavish engagement… First meeting The loved-up pair first met in 2016 when Lauren was introduced to Jeff by her now former husband Patrick at an Apple release party for the film, Manchester by the Sea. In 2018, the businessman hired Lauren's company, Black Ops Aviation to film a promotional video for his rocket company, Blue Origin. On January 6 2019, Jeff announced his divorce from ex-wife MacKenzie and just three days later, rumours began swirling of his new relationship after the pair were pictured together several times. Lauren filed from divorce from Patrick in April of that year also. A source told People at the time: 'Lauren and Jeff have been spending a lot of time together over the last year and especially the past few months. At first, it was socially at parties… here and there. But their time together has definitely seemed to evolve.' Going public Jeff and Lauren reportedly decided to move in together in late January 2019. In one of their first major outings together, the couple were seen packing on the PDA at the Men's Finals Day of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. During their first year together, the two didn't waste any time and travelled the world together, often being seen out in St. Tropez, New York and St. Barts. In December 2019, Jeff reportedly threw his ladylove two star-studded parties to celebrate her milestone 50th birthday. The first event was said to be an intimate dinner for family while the second was a huge birthday bash. The guest list included Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, Scooter Braun and Diane Von Furstenberg. Lavish engagement Jeff proposed to Lauren in May 2023 on his $500 million yacht named Koru. After a few days of speculation, a source close to the couple confirmed the news to People. They said: 'He proposed last week. They're on cloud nine — so happy and madly in love. Her engagement ring is beyond stunning. And huge! She keeps playing with it and looking at it.' Two months after the engagement, the two threw a massive engagement party on the Amazon founder's yacht on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sànchez's Wedding Guests: Opinion
Hey, if you're a celebrity who's attending the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sànchez, I don't want to hear about your 'activism' ever again. This weekend, the couple is getting married in an obscene, multiday event in Venice that is speculated to have cost between $35-40 million. It's a spectacle that drew some protests, given that Venice has literally been sinking because of climate change and overtourism in recent years. Why anyone would want to associate with the putrid, decaying soul of Jeffrey Bezos is beyond me (except it's not, because obviously people just love money). According to Oxfam, the 'world's richest 1% increased their wealth by more than $33.9 trillion in real terms since 2015,' which is enough to eliminate annual poverty by 22 times. Jeff's own net worth is approximately $231 billion. Make no mistake about it, he looks at the poverty-induced suffering of the world and chooses to hoard his wealth like a bloated dragon. But let's ignore the world! Let's just consider conditions at Amazon, where one Senate report found that warehouse workers were 'nearly twice as likely to be injured compared to workers at other warehouses in the sector.' Last year, another report found that 'half of warehouse workers surveyed by researchers say they struggle to afford enough food or a place to live.' It's estimated that Jeff earns more than the average US worker will earn in their lifetime every 13 minutes. I'm sure people will point to the fact that the couple asked for local donations in lieu of gifts. What a pathetic attempt to save face. Once again: If these people gave a flying fuck about the wellfare of others, then they would actually pay their fair share in taxes. Instead, they're burning money on rockets so they can pretend they're astronauts. Let's get specific. One of the attendees photographed arriving is Leonardo DiCaprio, who sits on the boards of several environmental causes, and started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation back in the late '90s. Last November, he criticized now-President Donald Trump and said, 'Climate change is killing the earth and ruining our economy. We need a bold step forward to save our economy, our planet and ourselves.' To quote a viral tweet I saw, 'Some 100 private jets will fly to Venice for Jeff Bezos' wedding, and I recycle yoghurt cup lids." Another Trump critic, Eva Longoria, is also slated to attend (she attended Lauren's bachelorette party). Eva previously called Trump's mass deportations 'inhumane' and 'hard to watch.' Seemingly, she has no problem attending the wedding of two people who stood near the front of (and donated to) that same man's inauguration. Her name is further on the Eva Longoria Foundation, which works to bolster Latina civic engagement and economic empowerment, which certainly makes one wonder what she thinks of the way Amazon quietly rolled back its DEI policies. Somewhere, deep in my jaded soul, I believe that these people can be using their platform for good. It's just hard to believe it's earnest when they're total hypocrites about it.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian Arrive for Jeff Bezos' Wedding
Originally appeared on E! Online The Kardashians are ready to celebrate. As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's grand Venice wedding celebration kicks off, Kim Kardashian, sister Khloe Kardashian and mom Kris Jenner touched down in Italy June 26 with a very stylish arrival. Stepping off the boat in Venice, the Kardashians stars were already dressed to impress. Kim, for her part, wore a cropped Balenciaga two-piece gray set, along with matching big shades. Khloe, meanwhile, opted for a leopard print bodycon strapless dress along with big sunglasses. As for Kris, the Kardashian matriarch went simple in a ruffled black long-sleeved dress, complete with her own pair of sunnies. Naturally, the trio got right to greeting fellow guests at the star-studded affair. Shortly after their arrival the trio chatted with Orlando Bloom, who arrived in Venice solo amid reports that he and Katy Perry have split after nine years together and a four-year engagement. Kim and Orlando shared a hug as he stood from his waterside lunch table to greet the group. More from E! Online Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Break Up After 9 Years Together Kim Kardashian Looks So Different in Curly Blonde Bob Hairstyle Influencer Tanner Martin Announces His Own Death at 30 Kim, Khloe and Kris' arrival in Venice officially kicks off Jeff and Lauren's wedding affair, but the couple have already started celebrating on their own. After all, the Amazon founder and journalist hosted a foam party June 22 in Croatia on Jeff's $500 million yacht—seemingly to celebrate Lauren's son Evan, who turned 19 that same day. And of course, the Kardashians have already been a large part of Jeff, 61, and Lauren's milestone. Kris and Kim even joined Lauren—along with Eva Longoria and Katy—for her Paris bachelorette party in May. "Forever starts with friendship,' Lauren gushed in an Instagram post highlighting her special weekend, 'surrounded by the women who've lifted me up, illuminated my path in dark times, and shaped my heart along the way." While the star-studded affair will be the beginning of Jeff and Lauren's happily ever after, the 55-year-old has previously said thatt life with Jeff is already special enough on its own. 'It's the greatest experience I've ever had,' she told the Wall Street Journal shortly after the pair confirmed their relationship in 2023. 'We love to be together and we love to work together.' For more on Lauren and Jeff's romance, keep reading... Love AllBefore the World TurnedFun in the SunThe More We Get TogetherMovie DateLady in RedThe Post MostMaking a DifferenceGarden of EdenA Man for All SeasonsA-Plus Book ReportAmazon PrimeAll Dressed In WhiteOut of This World For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
