Hey!...this is our Town!!....

Bestest ever place to live

Newcastle was nicknamed "Hell" by the most brutal convicts as it was a place where the most dangerous convicts were sent to dig in the coal mines as harsh punishment for their crimes.

Some would adopt the argument that nothing's changed over the centuries, but Novocastrians love clinging to the idea that Newcastle is the best city in the whole wide world.

Background

At some point in time (no-one really knows when) Newcastle was allegedly voted as:

"Australia's best City".

This has become a catch cry for locals over many years and they cling to it like a fly to shit. It was the inspiration for a famous jingle "Hey this is our town.." which immortalized the inner most thoughts of the population of Newcastle

Unfortunately the most recent poll showed Newie to be way down in popularity which sent locals into a tizz..luckily they had their greatest hero come to the rescue (rescieuw)

The Chief

As discussed in an earlier piece, Rugby League players are 'as gods' to Hunter folk. To put in real terms, if Joey Johns is Apollo, Paul Harrigan ('the chief') would probably be Zeus. So when the latest poll showed Newcastle had slipped as a great city, the masses eagerly sought an encouraging word from mount Olympus.....



A Dire pronouncement

The BankWest Quality of Life Index showed Newcastle was a lowly 505th best place to live. Thankfully "Chief" exposed this wicked collusion or conspiracy in a few wise words:

"I don't believe it," Newcastle identity and former Knights rugby league player Paul Harragon said.

"Any Novocastrian that has lived in other towns or travelled knows beyond doubt that the quality of life here is better than anywhere in Australia. It's certainly my choice of place to live."

Mr Harragon said Newcastle residents had the best of both worlds in a city that offered strong social and economic growth but still retained the feel of a coastal village.

While the survey showed otherwise, the firm Newcastle supporter said he was happy for Newcastle's great qualities to stay a well-kept secret.

"They can think what they want. We'll just stay here and continue to have a quality life in one of the world's best cities," Mr Harragon said.

This was enough to soothe the fears of an entire city..all we can say is thanks Chief