Name or shame? 'Quangers' under the microscope

We've all heard the put-downs, but we didn't anticipate the indignation we would spark here at The Queanbeyan Age after referring to Queanbeyan as "Quangers" late last year.

The slang term was used in a Facebook post and the furore was immediate. One resident commented: "'Quangers'? You have got to be joking. Queanbeyan hold your head high."; another said "Please don't call Queanbeyan, 'Quangers. What a ridiculous name," and yet another: "Quangers', where did you get that from? Queanbeyan is a much lovelier name, thank you."

But back in the newsroom, we were certain this apparently divisive term had been floating around for quite some time, usually in an affectionate way.

This opinion was further cemented when we discovered the new heart-shaped stress balls emblazoned with 'We Heart Quangers' at the local Service One Members Banking branch on Monaro Street. So we set out to dig a little deeper on 'Quangers', speak to the locals and see what they had to say about it.

One local barista - born and bred in Queanbeyan - admitted that they hadn't heard the term but didn't find it offensive either. Perhaps it was a term used by 'outsiders' they helpfully suggested.

And we spoke to Service One Members Banking marketing manager and Queanbeyan resident Andrew Sella about his thoughts on the term. He said he thought it was a term of endearment. In fact, he believes 'Quangers' had been part of the local vernacular for a few years, which is why he chose to include it in the bank's marketing campaign.

"I've heard the term 'Quangers' for a number of years now- there are references to it in written form online that go back to 2011 - but I feel as though it's picked up momentum over the past few months in particular and you hear the term on radio and other forms of media," Mr Sella said.

"From our perspective it's a casual abbreviation of the town Queanbeyan, and I certainly don't associate it with any negative connotations like some other terms that have been thrown around over the years.

"By no means was it designed to be offensive - for me personally, I've lived in Queanbeyan my whole life and love the town," he said.

The company decided to use the nickname 'Quangers' for their 'We Love Local' loan campaign which feature the fun, heart-shaped foam balls.

"As part of the campaign, we had some heart-shaped stress balls developed that feature 'We love Quangers' and we've distributed hundreds of these since the campaign kicked off," Mr Sella said.

"We've had a few people who hadn't heard the term before but certainly have had no direct negative feedback relating to this campaign and the term."

One half of the popular 104.7FM's 'Scotty and Nige' breakfast duo, Scotty, is a proud Queanbeyan resident of eight years. He regularly refers to his hometown as 'Quangers' on air at the station. He told the Age he loves the nickname and thinks locals should embrace it.

"In all honesty I can't remember where I first heard the term 'Quangers' but I love it. Having worked in and around this region for close to 20 years I'd heard all the terms for Queanbeyan that is 'Struggle Town', 'Queanbehole' and so on but I think there's a certain charm to 'Quangers'," he said.

"I grew up in Newcastle and when I'm asked to describe it back home I say it's just like Newcastle without the beach. Salt of the earth people who call a spade, a spade.

"I've lived in Queanbeyan for around eight years in this stint, and for 18 months back in 2001. My partner Cheree ran a business with her parents in Queanbeyan, my daughter went to Karabar High, my band plays lots of gigs at Walsh's and at 3.30am when I go to work the drive across to Canberra is great (if you miss all the 'Roos).

"As for people who find the term offensive? Get a sense of humour or get over it. Seriously, we don't like stuffed shirts in Quangers," he joked.

n 'Quangers'. Do you love it or hate it? We'd love to hear your thoughts on our Facebook page, visit www.facebook.com/QueanbeyanAge to leave your view.