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The Advertiser
14 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."
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Jeff McCloy, former Newcastle Lord Mayor and influential businessman, passes away at 75
Jeff McCloy , former Newcastle Lord Mayor and influential businessman, has passed away after battling with motor neurone disease (MND). He lost his battle with MND, which was diagnosed about 12 months ago, on Friday (June 27, 2025). He ended his life with voluntary assisted dying (VAD), according to ABC News. He only stood down as chair of the family business in January 2025 to focus on his health. Following McCloy's death, the City of Newcastle said in a statement that he 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. McCloy grew up in Belmont. He studied at the University of Newcastle (UoN), where he earned a degree in civil engineering. In the 1970s he joined the Belmont-based construction company DF McCloy, founded by his father, Don McCloy. Later he took over the reins of the company in the mid-80s. He served as Newcastle lord mayor between 2012 and 2014. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Besides being a businessman, McCloy was also a renowned philanthropist who was dedicated to providing support to charitable organisations, education and welfare groups, medical research, and sports teams and clubs, while his passion for public art enriched communities across the region, according to NewCastle Weekly. He received the City of Newcastle Medal in 2009 for highly distinguished service to the city and community. During his two-year stint as Lord Mayor, he campaigned for the removal of the heavy rail line through the city centre and Newcastle's urban renewal. He was known for being an outspoken advocate for bringing development and prosperity to the CBD, too. Live Events Ross Kerridge, current Lord Mayor, paid tribute to McCloy for his contribution. 'Jeff was one of the region's most successful businesspeople of recent years,' he said. 'His drive, his can-do attitude, and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success. A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the 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,' he said. '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,' he further stated.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Canteen duty and Prime Ministers: Wallabies pull political powerbrokers to Newcastle
From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT From serving up pies and hot dogs at the canteen to rubbing shoulders with Prime Ministers - the Wallabies have arrived in Newcastle and they're bringing some political power with them. The Newcastle Herald can reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to watching the Wallabies play Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium next weekend, describing Newcastle as "one of Australia's great sporting cities". Mr Albanese's Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka will also be at the match as the teams play for the Vuvale Bowl in what will be Australia's only warm-up game before the much-hyped British and Irish Lions series. The Wallabies squad travelled from Sydney to Newcastle on Thursday and will host an open training session at Wests Mayfield on Friday. Superstars including Joseph Suaalii, Taniel Tupou and Len Ikitau will then rub shoulders with rugby punters when they work the canteen and have a signing session at the Hunter Wildfires' Shute Shield game at No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday. There will be heightened interest in the match given the clash against Fiji will be the Wallabies' only game before starting their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions. "I am so honoured to welcome my friend, the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka, to Australia in July," Mr Albanese said. "I was with the Prime Minister only a few weeks ago, and reiterated the importance of our strong economic, security and people-to-people relationships with Fiji. "I also noted, however, that for 80-odd minutes in July that friendship will become a very competitive one, as we watch Fiji take on the Wallabies in Newcastle - one of Australia's great sporting cities. "This will be a fantastic match and I know it will be well supported by Novocastrians and those travelling to see these two great rugby nations in action." Rugby Australia officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in Newcastle for what will be the first Wallabies Test in the city in five years and the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017. Newcastle will also host four World Cup games in 2027, and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh said the presence of two Prime Ministers would be a "powerful statement of the diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds" between Australia and Fiji fostered by rugby. Mr Rabuka, a former front-rower for the national side, added: "Sport is a powerful tool of diplomacy that continues to strengthen our renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership with Australia and unites our people through shared passion and respect." Schmidt will juggle the need to keep players fresh and fine-tune combinations in the Fiji match as the Lions series looms large. Playmaker Ben Donaldson left the squad before it arrived in Newcastle to fly back to Perth to play the Lions in a tour match this weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the game against Fiji. Some Wallabies players will still be nursing scars from the last time they played against Fiji. The Fijians derailed Australia's World Cup campaign in 2023 by beating the Wallabies for the first time since 1954. Donaldson was one of ten players left in the squad that crashed 23-15 in Saint-Etienne, but insisted the Wallabies had moved on. "It wasn't a great day for us or Australian Rugby, but that's in the past now and we just look forward," Donaldson said from the Wallabies camp in Sydney. "We haven't really talked about the past. It's just about what's coming day by day, getting better each day as an individual and as a team as well. "It's been two years now ... a lot of boys have had a lot of growth since then and played superbly in Super Rugby and had Test match experience and we're full of confidence and we back everyone here in the squad." MORE NEWCASTLE SPORT
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Pinch-yourself moment': new tug boat's grand Newcastle entrance
WHAT an entrance. Svitzer Barrington, named after Barrington Tops, arrived at its new home at the Port of Newcastle's tug base on Thursday, June 26. To welcome it, a guard of honour was formed by eight tugs as the new vessel crossed the sand bar of Nobbys Heads. The tugs then formed a circle for the Barrington to move into the centre and complete donuts as Novocastrians watched on, the sound of horns echoing along the foreshore. At the helm was fleet training superintendent and tug master Ben Holder, who steered the tug into the harbour in a showcase of its agility. "It was a real privilege to bring such an innovative tug into Newcastle," Mr Holder said. "Taking her sideways through the cut at seven knots was a pinch-yourself moment. Despite her size and incredible stability, she handles like a go-kart." The 32-metre Transverse tug is the first of its kind in Australia. It was built in Turkey and sailed to Australia via the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Panama Canal and Pacific Ocean. It is billed as representing a generational advancement in towage standards, innovation and performance. Svitzer Australia chief operating officer David Phillips said the tug class was purpose-built for versatility and power, making it different to other tug designs by Svitzer. "It's maintaining high steering and braking forces through a range of movements without losing the dynamism or responsiveness required by marine pilots," he said. "This includes a patented half-circle towing staple which is able to support advanced towing manoeuvres and a double-ended hull." "It's a new design with leading-edge technology." Mr Phillips said Svitzer Barrington was deployed to the Port of Newcastle because "it's one of the busiest ports in Australia". "[The Port] services a range of large vessel types in complex tidal and weather conditions," he said. The port hosts more than 4500 vessel visits per year, including large capesize vessels shipping coal, bulk grain and agricultural vessels, container ships, breakbulk freight and cruise vessels. The demand for tugs to assist these vessels safely in and out of the terminal continues to increase, Mr Phillips said. "We chose Newcastle because this vessel is built to high specs to demonstrate its capability an,d it's a great opportunity to showcase and support our largest port. We're very excited about it," he said. A sister tug is expected to join the Port of Newcastle in mid to late August. WHAT an entrance. Svitzer Barrington, named after Barrington Tops, arrived at its new home at the Port of Newcastle's tug base on Thursday, June 26. To welcome it, a guard of honour was formed by eight tugs as the new vessel crossed the sand bar of Nobbys Heads. The tugs then formed a circle for the Barrington to move into the centre and complete donuts as Novocastrians watched on, the sound of horns echoing along the foreshore. At the helm was fleet training superintendent and tug master Ben Holder, who steered the tug into the harbour in a showcase of its agility. "It was a real privilege to bring such an innovative tug into Newcastle," Mr Holder said. "Taking her sideways through the cut at seven knots was a pinch-yourself moment. Despite her size and incredible stability, she handles like a go-kart." The 32-metre Transverse tug is the first of its kind in Australia. It was built in Turkey and sailed to Australia via the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Panama Canal and Pacific Ocean. It is billed as representing a generational advancement in towage standards, innovation and performance. Svitzer Australia chief operating officer David Phillips said the tug class was purpose-built for versatility and power, making it different to other tug designs by Svitzer. "It's maintaining high steering and braking forces through a range of movements without losing the dynamism or responsiveness required by marine pilots," he said. "This includes a patented half-circle towing staple which is able to support advanced towing manoeuvres and a double-ended hull." "It's a new design with leading-edge technology." Mr Phillips said Svitzer Barrington was deployed to the Port of Newcastle because "it's one of the busiest ports in Australia". "[The Port] services a range of large vessel types in complex tidal and weather conditions," he said. The port hosts more than 4500 vessel visits per year, including large capesize vessels shipping coal, bulk grain and agricultural vessels, container ships, breakbulk freight and cruise vessels. The demand for tugs to assist these vessels safely in and out of the terminal continues to increase, Mr Phillips said. "We chose Newcastle because this vessel is built to high specs to demonstrate its capability an,d it's a great opportunity to showcase and support our largest port. We're very excited about it," he said. A sister tug is expected to join the Port of Newcastle in mid to late August. WHAT an entrance. Svitzer Barrington, named after Barrington Tops, arrived at its new home at the Port of Newcastle's tug base on Thursday, June 26. To welcome it, a guard of honour was formed by eight tugs as the new vessel crossed the sand bar of Nobbys Heads. The tugs then formed a circle for the Barrington to move into the centre and complete donuts as Novocastrians watched on, the sound of horns echoing along the foreshore. At the helm was fleet training superintendent and tug master Ben Holder, who steered the tug into the harbour in a showcase of its agility. "It was a real privilege to bring such an innovative tug into Newcastle," Mr Holder said. "Taking her sideways through the cut at seven knots was a pinch-yourself moment. Despite her size and incredible stability, she handles like a go-kart." The 32-metre Transverse tug is the first of its kind in Australia. It was built in Turkey and sailed to Australia via the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Panama Canal and Pacific Ocean. It is billed as representing a generational advancement in towage standards, innovation and performance. Svitzer Australia chief operating officer David Phillips said the tug class was purpose-built for versatility and power, making it different to other tug designs by Svitzer. "It's maintaining high steering and braking forces through a range of movements without losing the dynamism or responsiveness required by marine pilots," he said. "This includes a patented half-circle towing staple which is able to support advanced towing manoeuvres and a double-ended hull." "It's a new design with leading-edge technology." Mr Phillips said Svitzer Barrington was deployed to the Port of Newcastle because "it's one of the busiest ports in Australia". "[The Port] services a range of large vessel types in complex tidal and weather conditions," he said. The port hosts more than 4500 vessel visits per year, including large capesize vessels shipping coal, bulk grain and agricultural vessels, container ships, breakbulk freight and cruise vessels. The demand for tugs to assist these vessels safely in and out of the terminal continues to increase, Mr Phillips said. "We chose Newcastle because this vessel is built to high specs to demonstrate its capability an,d it's a great opportunity to showcase and support our largest port. We're very excited about it," he said. A sister tug is expected to join the Port of Newcastle in mid to late August. WHAT an entrance. Svitzer Barrington, named after Barrington Tops, arrived at its new home at the Port of Newcastle's tug base on Thursday, June 26. To welcome it, a guard of honour was formed by eight tugs as the new vessel crossed the sand bar of Nobbys Heads. The tugs then formed a circle for the Barrington to move into the centre and complete donuts as Novocastrians watched on, the sound of horns echoing along the foreshore. At the helm was fleet training superintendent and tug master Ben Holder, who steered the tug into the harbour in a showcase of its agility. "It was a real privilege to bring such an innovative tug into Newcastle," Mr Holder said. "Taking her sideways through the cut at seven knots was a pinch-yourself moment. Despite her size and incredible stability, she handles like a go-kart." The 32-metre Transverse tug is the first of its kind in Australia. It was built in Turkey and sailed to Australia via the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Panama Canal and Pacific Ocean. It is billed as representing a generational advancement in towage standards, innovation and performance. Svitzer Australia chief operating officer David Phillips said the tug class was purpose-built for versatility and power, making it different to other tug designs by Svitzer. "It's maintaining high steering and braking forces through a range of movements without losing the dynamism or responsiveness required by marine pilots," he said. "This includes a patented half-circle towing staple which is able to support advanced towing manoeuvres and a double-ended hull." "It's a new design with leading-edge technology." Mr Phillips said Svitzer Barrington was deployed to the Port of Newcastle because "it's one of the busiest ports in Australia". "[The Port] services a range of large vessel types in complex tidal and weather conditions," he said. The port hosts more than 4500 vessel visits per year, including large capesize vessels shipping coal, bulk grain and agricultural vessels, container ships, breakbulk freight and cruise vessels. The demand for tugs to assist these vessels safely in and out of the terminal continues to increase, Mr Phillips said. "We chose Newcastle because this vessel is built to high specs to demonstrate its capability an,d it's a great opportunity to showcase and support our largest port. We're very excited about it," he said. A sister tug is expected to join the Port of Newcastle in mid to late August.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Shot down in flames: McDonald Jones too small for AC/DC's Power Up Tour
Novocastrians dying to see AC/DC will have to drive to Sydney down our own "highway to hell," best known as the M1, with McDonald Jones Stadium deemed too small for the rock icons' Power Up tour. One of the worst-kept secrets in entertainment became reality on Monday when AC/DC announced their first Australian tour in a decade for November and December. The Australian pub-rock legends will play the Melbourne Cricket Ground (November 12), Sydney's Accor Stadium (November 21), the Supercars grand final in Adelaide Parklands (November 30), Perth's Optus Stadium (December 4) and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium (December 14). All five venues boast a capacity north of 50,000. Red-hot Melbourne punk band Amyl & The Sniffers are the special guests at all shows. With ample time between dates, the announcement of additional concerts is likely. However, don't expect Broadmeadow's McDonald Jones Stadium to be on the itinerary. The 30,000-capacity venue was never in the discussions to host Angus Young and company. "Venues NSW is in constant discussions with promoters to secure more concerts for McDonald Jones Stadium following the success of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Pink - the first stadium concerts in over three decades," a spokesperson for Venues NSW told the Newcastle Herald. "Only venues with a capacity of 50,000-plus were considered for AC/DC's Australian leg of their tour." Turton Road remains a popular sports venue, particularly for major women's events. In April a record crowd of 28,019 watched the Matildas beat South Korea 2-0, and the Wallaroos versus New Zealand rugby union match and game three of the women's State of Origin were both held at the stadium last month. The NRLW Magic Round is also scheduled for Newcastle on August 2 and 3. However, after rolling four sold-out shows in Elton John (January 8 and 10, 2023), Paul McCartney (October 24, 2023) and then Pink (February 13, 2024), McDonald Jones Stadium has been devoid of concerts. This is despite the venue having approval for at least six major events per year. Since the Pink show, Australia has played host to the likes of Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Olivia Rodrigo, Pearl Jam, Billie Eilish, The Offspring, Blink 182, Green Day and Katy Perry, who have all bypassed Turton Road. Despite Newcastle's reputation as a pub rock-loving city and being renowned for its fertile live music scene, particularly in the '70s to the '90s, AC/DC have only ever performed three shows here. The last was at the Civic Theatre on December 11, 1976, on the Dirty Deeds tour. With founding member and lead guitarist Angus Young and raspy vocalist Brian Johnson aged 70 and 77, respectively, the days of "Acca Dacca" blasting away stadiums with their explosively rhythmic brand of rock'n'roll are surely numbered. Novocastrians dying to see AC/DC will have to drive to Sydney down our own "highway to hell," best known as the M1, with McDonald Jones Stadium deemed too small for the rock icons' Power Up tour. One of the worst-kept secrets in entertainment became reality on Monday when AC/DC announced their first Australian tour in a decade for November and December. The Australian pub-rock legends will play the Melbourne Cricket Ground (November 12), Sydney's Accor Stadium (November 21), the Supercars grand final in Adelaide Parklands (November 30), Perth's Optus Stadium (December 4) and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium (December 14). All five venues boast a capacity north of 50,000. Red-hot Melbourne punk band Amyl & The Sniffers are the special guests at all shows. With ample time between dates, the announcement of additional concerts is likely. However, don't expect Broadmeadow's McDonald Jones Stadium to be on the itinerary. The 30,000-capacity venue was never in the discussions to host Angus Young and company. "Venues NSW is in constant discussions with promoters to secure more concerts for McDonald Jones Stadium following the success of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Pink - the first stadium concerts in over three decades," a spokesperson for Venues NSW told the Newcastle Herald. "Only venues with a capacity of 50,000-plus were considered for AC/DC's Australian leg of their tour." Turton Road remains a popular sports venue, particularly for major women's events. In April a record crowd of 28,019 watched the Matildas beat South Korea 2-0, and the Wallaroos versus New Zealand rugby union match and game three of the women's State of Origin were both held at the stadium last month. The NRLW Magic Round is also scheduled for Newcastle on August 2 and 3. However, after rolling four sold-out shows in Elton John (January 8 and 10, 2023), Paul McCartney (October 24, 2023) and then Pink (February 13, 2024), McDonald Jones Stadium has been devoid of concerts. This is despite the venue having approval for at least six major events per year. Since the Pink show, Australia has played host to the likes of Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Olivia Rodrigo, Pearl Jam, Billie Eilish, The Offspring, Blink 182, Green Day and Katy Perry, who have all bypassed Turton Road. Despite Newcastle's reputation as a pub rock-loving city and being renowned for its fertile live music scene, particularly in the '70s to the '90s, AC/DC have only ever performed three shows here. The last was at the Civic Theatre on December 11, 1976, on the Dirty Deeds tour. With founding member and lead guitarist Angus Young and raspy vocalist Brian Johnson aged 70 and 77, respectively, the days of "Acca Dacca" blasting away stadiums with their explosively rhythmic brand of rock'n'roll are surely numbered. Novocastrians dying to see AC/DC will have to drive to Sydney down our own "highway to hell," best known as the M1, with McDonald Jones Stadium deemed too small for the rock icons' Power Up tour. One of the worst-kept secrets in entertainment became reality on Monday when AC/DC announced their first Australian tour in a decade for November and December. The Australian pub-rock legends will play the Melbourne Cricket Ground (November 12), Sydney's Accor Stadium (November 21), the Supercars grand final in Adelaide Parklands (November 30), Perth's Optus Stadium (December 4) and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium (December 14). All five venues boast a capacity north of 50,000. Red-hot Melbourne punk band Amyl & The Sniffers are the special guests at all shows. With ample time between dates, the announcement of additional concerts is likely. However, don't expect Broadmeadow's McDonald Jones Stadium to be on the itinerary. The 30,000-capacity venue was never in the discussions to host Angus Young and company. "Venues NSW is in constant discussions with promoters to secure more concerts for McDonald Jones Stadium following the success of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Pink - the first stadium concerts in over three decades," a spokesperson for Venues NSW told the Newcastle Herald. "Only venues with a capacity of 50,000-plus were considered for AC/DC's Australian leg of their tour." Turton Road remains a popular sports venue, particularly for major women's events. In April a record crowd of 28,019 watched the Matildas beat South Korea 2-0, and the Wallaroos versus New Zealand rugby union match and game three of the women's State of Origin were both held at the stadium last month. The NRLW Magic Round is also scheduled for Newcastle on August 2 and 3. However, after rolling four sold-out shows in Elton John (January 8 and 10, 2023), Paul McCartney (October 24, 2023) and then Pink (February 13, 2024), McDonald Jones Stadium has been devoid of concerts. This is despite the venue having approval for at least six major events per year. Since the Pink show, Australia has played host to the likes of Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Olivia Rodrigo, Pearl Jam, Billie Eilish, The Offspring, Blink 182, Green Day and Katy Perry, who have all bypassed Turton Road. Despite Newcastle's reputation as a pub rock-loving city and being renowned for its fertile live music scene, particularly in the '70s to the '90s, AC/DC have only ever performed three shows here. The last was at the Civic Theatre on December 11, 1976, on the Dirty Deeds tour. With founding member and lead guitarist Angus Young and raspy vocalist Brian Johnson aged 70 and 77, respectively, the days of "Acca Dacca" blasting away stadiums with their explosively rhythmic brand of rock'n'roll are surely numbered. Novocastrians dying to see AC/DC will have to drive to Sydney down our own "highway to hell," best known as the M1, with McDonald Jones Stadium deemed too small for the rock icons' Power Up tour. One of the worst-kept secrets in entertainment became reality on Monday when AC/DC announced their first Australian tour in a decade for November and December. The Australian pub-rock legends will play the Melbourne Cricket Ground (November 12), Sydney's Accor Stadium (November 21), the Supercars grand final in Adelaide Parklands (November 30), Perth's Optus Stadium (December 4) and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium (December 14). All five venues boast a capacity north of 50,000. Red-hot Melbourne punk band Amyl & The Sniffers are the special guests at all shows. With ample time between dates, the announcement of additional concerts is likely. However, don't expect Broadmeadow's McDonald Jones Stadium to be on the itinerary. The 30,000-capacity venue was never in the discussions to host Angus Young and company. "Venues NSW is in constant discussions with promoters to secure more concerts for McDonald Jones Stadium following the success of Elton John, Paul McCartney and Pink - the first stadium concerts in over three decades," a spokesperson for Venues NSW told the Newcastle Herald. "Only venues with a capacity of 50,000-plus were considered for AC/DC's Australian leg of their tour." Turton Road remains a popular sports venue, particularly for major women's events. In April a record crowd of 28,019 watched the Matildas beat South Korea 2-0, and the Wallaroos versus New Zealand rugby union match and game three of the women's State of Origin were both held at the stadium last month. The NRLW Magic Round is also scheduled for Newcastle on August 2 and 3. However, after rolling four sold-out shows in Elton John (January 8 and 10, 2023), Paul McCartney (October 24, 2023) and then Pink (February 13, 2024), McDonald Jones Stadium has been devoid of concerts. This is despite the venue having approval for at least six major events per year. Since the Pink show, Australia has played host to the likes of Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Olivia Rodrigo, Pearl Jam, Billie Eilish, The Offspring, Blink 182, Green Day and Katy Perry, who have all bypassed Turton Road. Despite Newcastle's reputation as a pub rock-loving city and being renowned for its fertile live music scene, particularly in the '70s to the '90s, AC/DC have only ever performed three shows here. The last was at the Civic Theatre on December 11, 1976, on the Dirty Deeds tour. With founding member and lead guitarist Angus Young and raspy vocalist Brian Johnson aged 70 and 77, respectively, the days of "Acca Dacca" blasting away stadiums with their explosively rhythmic brand of rock'n'roll are surely numbered.
