Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have power? I’m not talking superhero wizard level supernatural power either. I’m talking about being in a position to initiate change. For the good, for the better, and most importantly, for the ultimate comfort.
Here at Swell, we’ve spent the last week daydreaming of what it would be like if we were… the Mayor of Newcastle. Before we take a deep dive into the list, let’s get one thing clear. These are decisions without consequences (as you’ll see by the list) and to all the change-makers out there a) you’re doing a great job and b) take note.
With the local election coming up thick and fast (this weekend actually) here is your friendly reminder to make sure you vote! Because if you’re really looking to make a change, get behind the folks who sit at the top of the council food chain – that’s where real change happens.
1. Cold Brew pumped into every residence (because it’s more important than water)
Coffee is love, coffee is life, and adding the convenience of having cold brew pumped directly into our homes (just like magic) will surely please the masses. The heads in charge of operation CB (Cold Brew) would team up with local coffee peeps (because supporting local is what we in Newcastle do best) and get this going. We’d all be a whole lot happier with a jolt on tap. No fuss, no muss.
2. Trading Good Human Points (GHP) for discounts on taxes
Some people may think it’s money that makes the world go round, but we’re here to squash that capitalist theory and pay it forward with kindness. With this in mind, we would introduce a GHP initiative. Do something nice for a friend, a family member, or a stranger and be rewarded with a point (everrrrrybody gets a point!), which in turn equates to some serious dollars off your tax. Basically, the kinder you are to your fellow humans, the more dollars you’ll have in your pocket come tax time.
3. Everywhere is puppy dog friendly
Have you ever tried to leave the house and you’re faced with two big brown eyes begging you not to go? Normally, you’d take your dog with you but… some places tend to frown upon your four-legged friend. Instead of leaving the house, you sit at home doing a matching cucumber mask with your puppa – no regrets. Which is exactly why we would lift the bans on the whole “no dogs allowed” thing so you can take your four-legged friend everywhere you go. Of course, some dogs just aren’t built for the big smoke, which is why we would also introduce a licensing system, just to keep things above all paws.
4. Four day working weeks… for everyone! (And compulsory beach days)
It’s 2021, right? No one wants to work five days per week. You’ve got a life to live, and a beautiful town to explore! Which is exactly why we’re introducing the four-day working week. It works in Iceland, and people seem a whole lot happier. We love our jobs, don’t get us wrong on that front, this is simply about adding a little bit more life to that balance.
5. Free parking in the CBD
I think we’re speaking on behalf of all Novocastrians when we say this one. We’ve spent too many tense moments chasing down parking inspectors, driving around endlessly looking for the elusive free park, and fighting with the inaptly named Easy Park app. Well… with us in charge, worry no more dear reader. We’re making parking in the CBD free. Yep… FREE!
6. Uber Eats – everywhere. Yep. Everywhere.
There’s a bit of an issue here in Newcastle right now. The magic of Uber Eats only extends so far in this great town of ours. Which is exactly why we’re removing that pesky radius and making sure the awesomeness of food delivery is available to everyone. And we promise we’re not just saying this because the majority of our staff live in Stockton.
We went backwards and forwards on the above points, but really…the options are endless. A new rooftop bar on every corner, cafes have to be open past 2pm, being able to control the weather no matter where we are (hello hot girl summer), reopening Tower Cinema, bringing back REnew Newcastle… and the list goes on.
But what would you choose? Because we’re all for asking the big questions here at Swell Mag.
Words: Laura Kebby | Photography: Zoe Lonergan
