Newcastle sux ass!! I had to live there for 8 months and it was bogan central!! It has changed a bit since then, but the bogan part is the same. It is like Summernats only every night!! If you won't do fuli sic skids for them, they will pelt your car with bottles (some not empty!!)
I think you should stay where you are happiest, and if Brisbane fulfills your needs with friends and job, why move. This whole moving to further your career gambit is why so many people are unhappy or divorced. I personally love Brisbane and I have lived in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle for work. Unless it is going to make you a millionaire, I would stay put.