News 2021

Information Session - Draft Budget and Operational Plan - Live stream the first community information session about the 21/22 Draft Budget and Operational Plan
A message from the Mayor - Water matters - Over the remainder of this Council’s term, I plan to write to you with accurate information about issues of importance and as a means of connecting and endeavouring to build your trust and confidence in Council. In this first newsletter I focus on water and water charges.
A new collaboration - UNE Business Innovation Hub in the former Armidale Library building
Advisory Committees reinstated - Committees of Council will resume immediately after a resolution at the Extraordinary Council Meeting held yesterday unanimously supported reinstatement.
ANZAC exhibition on display at Hillgrove Museum - To coincide with this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations, the Hillgrove Museum is honouring those from surrounding villages who died in active service during the Boer War, the First World War and the Second World War.
Applications open for funding opportunities - Community groups and individuals in the Armidale region are invited to submit applications for Community Connectivity Assistance and Arts & Culture Small Grants.
Armidale Airport Apron Expansion reaches next stage of works - Armidale Airport will soar into another stage of its Airport Apron Expansion, with work set to begin sealing the airside parking apron next week. Armidale Regional Council is planning to do a 10 millimetre spray seal, along with completing line marking and applying fuel resistant membrane for aircraft parking bays.
Armidale Mall enhancement project underway - Armidale’s Beardy Street Mall is receiving an exciting facelift thanks to a $423,100 grant from Round 1 of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.
Armidale Regional Council hands over keys to new UNE Study Hub - Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley joined UNE’s Vice Chancellor Brigid Heywood to officially open the new UNE Study Hub building in Guyra.
Armidale Regional Council secures $1.037 million in funding to upgrade local roads - Armidale Regional Council has been successful in securing $1.037 million of funding from the Australian Government to conduct gravel re-sheeting and bitumen sealing on twelve local roads.
Armidale Regional Council seeks funding for remediation of old Guyra Landfill - Armidale Regional Council is applying for a grant from the NSW Government to remediate the old Guyra Landfill on Everett Street. A public meeting was held on January 12, 2021, to inform residents of the planned works, and why the rehabilitation of the site is needed, following the landfill’s closure 12 years ago.
Armidale Spring Games officially announced - Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley was joined by local sporting clubs to officially announce the inaugural Armidale Spring Games to be held in October later this year. The event will be a celebration of sport through a weekend carnival that is expected to attract more than 50 teams from inter and intra – state.
Australian Cricket Association Masters Tour coming to Armidale - Armidale Regional Council is excited to announce the Australian Cricket Association (ACA) Masters Cricket Tour will be coming to Armidale on February 25 and 26, 2021. It will be a jam-packed couple of days of cricket and fun events for all, and will be the largest sporting event the region has seen in a long time.
Autumn Festival 2021 cancelled - Armidale’s annual Autumn Festival celebration has been cancelled this year, due to continuing NSW Government COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor events.
Bradley Street reopens to traffic - Guyra's Bradley Street has reopened to traffic following the completion of the temporary seal on Tuesday 22 June.
Budget review yields positive step for Council - The Q2 budget review forecasts an improvement to the consolidated operating result of a $2.1m surplus.
Business Continuity Policy sets Council in good stead - The adoption of a new Business Continuity Policy at the Council Meeting held yesterday sets in place the final step to ensuring Council is agile in its response and capabilities to maintaining essential services during an undesirable event.
Changes to penalty infringement notices - Armidale Regional Council has recently changed the way penalty infringement notices are issued in a bid to increase consistency and remove customer confusion.
Climate risk workshops being held across the region - Armidale Regional Council is excited to support a series of workshops being organised by Southern New England Landcare and Sustainable Living Armidale to prompt people to think about whether their rural lifestyle block is ready for future climate related weather events.
Coffee Vans Policy to be created - A policy will be developed for the deployment of coffee and food vans at various locations and events around the region after a motion put forward by Councillor Margaret O’Connor was adopted at the April 28 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Come and be part of the Big Chill Beer and Barbecue Festival - The Big Chill Beer and Barbecue Festival is on the hunt for barbecue connoisseurs to take part in the cook-off competitions set to be held during the exciting two - day festival on May 15 and 16 2021. Applications are also still open for food and alcohol vendors, trade stalls, and musical acts.
Community feedback wanted for draft Koala Management Strategy - From 30 April 2021, the community will have the opportunity to give feedback on Council’s draft Koala Management Strategy, with the document set to go on public exhibition for 28 days.
Community groups and organisations invited to share their aspirations and needs at council meetings - Community groups and organisations are encouraged to take advantage of a new addition to Council meetings with time now set-aside for presentations to Councillors.
Construction begins on Dumaresq Creek Bridge replacement - Work on the replacement of the old Dumaresq Creek Bridge began today, as part of Round Four of the Federal Government’s Bridge Renewal Program.
Council adopts new Drought Management Plan - Armidale Regional Council has taken a critical step in securing the region’s town water supply after it adopted its updated Drought Management Plan at the February 24 Council Meeting.
Council endorses application for Special Rate Variation - Temporary SRV proposed as permanent at 8.5% plus 2% rate peg
Council is offering $65,000 in community grants - Community groups in the Armidale Region have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support community resilience programs following the Black Summer bushfires.
New waste services guide launched - Armidale Regional Council has entered a new era of waste services, with an updated waste services guide being delivered to residents to provide valuable information about our world-class waste and recycling system.
Council secures funding to improve local facilities - Monckton Aquatic Centre, Guyra Men's Shed, and Lower Creek community to benefit from Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding.
Council supports rating reform bill for a fairer rating system - Councillors have moved to support a bill proposed by the Office of Local Government that will change the way Council can set rating structures and implement rates harmonisation at the January 27 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Council to donate hay to flood affected regions - Armidale Regional Council will donate 40 bales of hay to neighbouring regions affected by devastating floods, to help the farming communities suffering the loss and damage of silage and winter stocks.
Council welcomes back the Armidale Express print edition - Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley is welcoming back the print edition of the Armidale Express with open arms, following the announcement the valued local newspaper will return to shelves next week.
Council welcomes new Chief Officer – Corporate and Strategy - Armidale Regional Council is preparing to welcome a new addition to the senior leadership team, with the former Chief Financial Officer of Gunnedah Shire Council Damien Connor stepping into the role of Chief Officer – Corporate and Strategy.
Dams full across the Armidale region - From midnight tonight the Armidale region will be moving out of water restrictions into permanent conservation after experiencing significant rainfall overnight which has resulted in full and overflowing dams.
Development Application approved for proposed Guyra preschool - The Development Application (DA) for the proposed Guyra Early Childhood Learning Centre was approved at the May 26 Ordinary Council Meeting, subject to conditions.
Disaster Dashboard launched - The Armidale region will be better prepared for future disasters and weather events, with the Disaster Dashboard now available to be used by the community.
Draft Budget & Operational Plan Information Session - Live stream the 2021-2022 Draft Budget and Operational Plan that was held in Guyra on June 17.
Draft budget now on public exhibition - A Draft Operational Plan and Budget with a focus on back to basics service delivery and improved financial results is now on public exhibition until Thursday, 24 June 2021.
Extraordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday 29 June 2021 - Live stream the June 29 Extraordinary Council Meeting that will see the 2021-2022 Operational Plan and Budget adopted.
Extraordinary Council Meeting - Wednesday 10 February 2021 - Extraordinary Council Meeting - Wednesday 10 February 2021
Facelift for Armidale library entrance - $166,000 for Armidale War Memorial Library refurbishment
Field closure update - Fields are now open with 1 remaining closed
Freaky Friday at the Fright Night Pool Party - Monckton Aquatic Centre will be transformed into a spooky spectacular on Friday 15 January for the Fright Night Pool Party. The family friendly event has something for all ages, with child-friendly activities scheduled for the early evening, followed by a screening of scary movie The Meg for the older kids and adults.
Free live music events to celebrate Youth Week - Armidale Regional Council is hosting free live music events in Armidale and Guyra to celebrate Youth Week, an annual celebration of young people throughout Australia.
Free pool parties for Armidale and Guyra - The region’s pools will be the place to cool off this weekend, with two free pool parties organised for Armidale and Guyra.
Friends of the Armidale War Memorial Library donate new shelving and money for accessible books - The Armidale Regional Council War Memorial Library has received two generous donations from the Friends of the Armidale War Memorial Library. Thanks to the group’s outstanding fundraising efforts, the library is now home to $8000 worth of new shelving to be used for displaying the library’s latest arrivals.
Funding pledge ignites interest in Maker Lab at Armidale War Memorial Library - Maker Lab provisions at library receive a boost with Council now able to accept funding pledges and external support for future purchases of equipment.
Guyra Preschool receives funding - The Guyra Preschool and Long Daycare has secured two rounds of NSW Government funding to go towards purchasing interactive smartboards and outdoor play equipment.
Guyra’s main street upgrade reaches next stage - Work on the upgrade of Guyra’s Bradley Street is progressing, with the Stage 2 roadworks set to get underway in April.
Headline players announced for 2021 Australian Cricketers’ Association Masters Tour - Australian cricket greats Greg Matthews, Julia Price and current Melbourne Renegade, Josh Lalor, are just some of the exciting names set to be part of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) Masters Tour coming to Armidale on February 25 and 26 2021.
Highlights of the July Council Meeting - Catch up on the July 28 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Indigenous construction company at helm of Armidale Train Station beautification - A Sydney based indigenous owned construction company is spearheading the current refurbishment of the Armidale Train Station.
Is your wood heater burning effectively? - With the cold weather now upon us, it is time for residents in the Armidale region to think about ways to heat homes effectively and efficiently.
Job growth brings huge boost to local economy - With its awe-inspiring scenery, quality of life attributes and world-class education facilities, it is no surprise Armidale, Guyra and surrounding villages are becoming top choices for tree changers. Now there is another drawcard for those looking to make a change and move to the New England.
July 28 Ordinary Council Meeting - Watch the the July 28 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Launch of the Big Chill Beer and BBQ Festival - Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley was joined by Member for the Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today to officially launch the inaugural Big Chill Beer and Barbeque Festival that is set to be Armidale’s next big tourist drawcard for years to come.
Local artist will paint mural in Guyra - Armidale Regional Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from groups or individuals living in the Guyra area who would be interested in assisting a local artist in developing a mural design for the toilet block in Bradley Street.
Local creatives encouraged to enter competition aimed at revitalising the Armidale Mall - Local creatives are invited to enter a competition to create pop-up installations aimed at activating the Armidale mall and attracting more people into the CBD.
Local Government elections to be held this September - Residents of the Armidale region are being reminded to save the date for the 2021 Local Government elections.
Masks mandatory at all airports - From midnight tonight, everyone over the age of 12 will be required to wear a face mask at all airports and on domestic commercial flights. Armidale Regional Council is ramping up efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, and will be providing free disposable face masks within the Armidale Regional Airport for those who forget to bring their own for as long as necessary.
Mayor supports honour board for OAM recipients - Mayor Ian Tiley has promised to donate $1000 of his own money to install an honour board recognising Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipients and affiliates in the Armidale War Memorial Library if a grant application is unsuccessful.
Mel Jones and Stephen O’Keefe added to ACA Masters Tour - Australian cricket great and media personality Mel Jones will join Big Bash League champion Stephen O’Keefe in participating in the Australian Cricketers’ Association Masters Tour coming to Armidale this week.
Metz Solar Farm to power the region’s economic development - With construction of the Metz Solar Farm beginning this month, Armidale Regional Council is excited to see the economic benefits the large scale renewables project is set to bring to the region for years to come.
Momentum maintained for creeklands vision - Natural oasis in an urban environment
New changes to Code of Meeting Practice - The community is being reminded of some important changes to the structure of future Council meetings, after alterations to the Code of Meeting Practice were adopted at the March 24 Ordinary Council Meeting.
New England Volunteer Awards launch - As National Volunteer Week fast approaches, Armidale Regional Council is urging the community to nominate local volunteers for the 2021 New England Volunteer Awards.
New murals set to brighten up Armidale’s CBD - Local artist James O’Hanlon has started painting one of a series of murals set to add a splash of colour to the Armidale Mall and its laneways as part of a NSW Government funded project by Armidale Regional Council and Renew Armidale.
New Pint Pot Bridge opens to traffic - Pint Pot Bridge on Rockvale Road is now open to traffic, following the replacement of the aging timber bridge with a new concrete structure.
Nicki Scholes - Robertson named Armidale's 2021 Citizen of the Year - Nicki Scholes - Robertson has been named as Armidale's 2021 Citizen of the Year for her work advocating for people suffering with Chronic Kidney Disease.
One-stop-shop to finding grant funding - Accessing grant funding in the Armidale region is now a one-stop-shop for local community groups and businesses with the launch of Grant Finder.
On-site inspections by Councillors on major Development Applications introduced - Councillors will now be better informed when making decisions on Development Applications presented at Council meetings with the introduction of on-site inspections.
Ordinary Council Meeting - Wednesday 24 February 2021 - Live stream the February Ordinary Council Meeting
Ordinary Council Meeting - 26 May 2021 - Ordinary Council Meeting - 26 May 2021
Ordinary Council Meeting 24 March 2021 - Catch up on the March 24 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Ordinary Council Meeting 28 April 2021 - Wrap-up of the April 28 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Past, Present and Print exhibition on display in Armidale Regional Council's foyer - Next time you’re walking past the Armidale Regional Council building in Rusden Street, make sure you pop in and have a look at the latest art exhibition on display in the foyer. The Past, Present and Print exhibition was created by artists from the Black Gully Printmakers, and is inspired by historical artefacts from the Armidale Folk Museum.
Permanent application of temporary SV approved by IPART - (IPART) has approved Council’s application to permanently apply a 10.5% increase in income from rates above the current level.. The Special Variation (SV) will replace an existing seven year SV due to expire on 30 June 2021.
Professional women gather to mentor Armidale women - A who’s who line up of Aussie business women, entrepreneurs, senior women from the public service and government will be coming together when Mentor Walks launches in Armidale on February 24.
Qantas increases daily flight schedule - Qantas is now offering 19 flights per week in and out of the Armidale Regional Airport in the latest big step to a gradual return to pre pandemic flights in the region.
Rai Thistlethwayte to headline Big Chill Beer and Barbecue Festival - The region will be treated to an exciting performance by a world-renowned musician, with Thirsty Merc’s Rai Thistlethwayte announced as the Big Chill Beer and Barbecue Festival’s headline act on Saturday 15 May.
Red Maples retained in Guyra’s main street upgrade - Nine Red Maples slated for removal during the Guyra main street reconstruction and beautification project will now be retained.
Service centre secures premier position at business park - The sky’s the limit for Armidale Airside Business Park as stage one takes off with anchor tenant, Outlook Property Services, to establish a prominent service centre with fuel and food outlets.
Shared vision for a carbon neutral Armidale LGA - A vision for a carbon neutral LGA will be a reality thanks to a new partnership between UNE, Council and a passionate engaged community.
Steve Widders announced as Australia Day Ambassador for Armidale Region - Local icon and motivational speaker Steve Widders has been named as this year’s Australia Day Ambassador for the Armidale Region.
Storytime Sessions return to Armidale Regional Libraries - The region’s young bookworms will soon be able to participate in the Armidale Regional Library Storytime Sessions to be held in both Guyra and Armidale each week.
Street names honour airport champions - Two prominent roads in the new Armidale Airside Business Park called Cameron Drive and Waller Avenue commemorate the tireless work of two local champions .
Support flows for Malpas Dam upgrade - Malpas Dam’s spillway will be raised by 6.49 metres after councillors supported the recommendation at the May 26 Ordinary Council meeting.
Sydney Writers’ Festival to be streamed in libraries - The region’s keen readers and wordsmiths are being invited to participate in the Sydney Writers’ Festival, with the event set to be streamed to the Armidale War Memorial Library and the Guyra L.T. Starr Memorial Library.
Thousands flock to Big Chill Festival - Mayor Ian Tiley has deemed the Big Chill Beer and Barbecue Festival a huge success, after thousands flocked to Armidale’s Civic Park over the weekend.
Todd Greenberg and Nick Hockley announced as special guests for ACA Masters Tour - The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has announced its new CEO Todd Greenberg will be attending the upcoming Masters Tour kicking off on Thursday night.
Top citizens tie for Guyra's Citizen of the Year - Noreen Williams and Graham Williamson tied for Guyra’s top award at this year’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony.
Tourism the key to rebuilding region’s economy - After a tough couple of years grappling with the effects of the drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, Armidale Regional Council is on track to help rebuild the local economy, with a number of exciting tourism initiatives in the works.
VALE Ted Mulligan - Council would like to acknowledge the passing of passionate Guyra local Ted Mulligan who died yesterday at the age of 104 years and six months.
Volunteers celebrated for National Volunteer Week - National Volunteer Week is underway, with the region’s volunteers today recognised in the New England Volunteer Awards for their selfless community service.
Women's candidates forum - Did you know that women represent less than a third of all councillors and mayors serving on the 128 councils in NSW?
Wrap-up of the June 23 Ordinary Council Meeting - Wrap-up of the June 23 Ordinary Council Meeting

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Field closure update: Fields are now open with 1 remaining closed

Highlights of the July Council Meeting: Catch up on the July 28 Ordinary Council Meeting.

Business Continuity Policy sets Council in good stead: The adoption of a new Business Continuity Policy at the Council Meeting held yesterday sets in place the final step to ensuring Council is agile in its response and capabilities to maintaining essential services during an undesirable event.

July 28 Ordinary Council Meeting: Watch the the July 28 Ordinary Council Meeting.

Indigenous construction company at helm of Armidale Train Station beautification: A Sydney based indigenous owned construction company is spearheading the current refurbishment of the Armidale Train Station.

Extraordinary Council Meeting - Tuesday 29 June 2021: Live stream the June 29 Extraordinary Council Meeting that will see the 2021-2022 Operational Plan and Budget adopted.

Wrap-up of the June 23 Ordinary Council Meeting: Wrap-up of the June 23 Ordinary Council Meeting

Bradley Street reopens to traffic: Guyra's Bradley Street has reopened to traffic following the completion of the temporary seal on Tuesday 22 June.

One-stop-shop to finding grant funding: Accessing grant funding in the Armidale region is now a one-stop-shop for local community groups and businesses with the launch of Grant Finder.

Draft Budget & Operational Plan Information Session: Live stream the 2021-2022 Draft Budget and Operational Plan that was held in Guyra on June 17.