News 2022

$1 secures old courthouse for the community - Council has secured the old Armidale Courthouse as a public asset for the people of the Armidale region acquiring the building precinct from the NSW Government for $1.
$5.9 million community benefit contribution with Oxley Solar Farm - Councillors unanimously endorsed an agreement with Oxley Solar Farm, a 225 MW solar farm proposed east of Armidale, for them to make a community benefit contribution of around $5.9 million.
2022 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards for the New England - Congratulations to our award winners of the 2022 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards for the New England, who recently received their awards, at a special ceremony in Armidale.
27 January council meeting wrap-up - Review the latest decisions made at the council meeting.
Annual tree planting program commences - Council’s annual tree planting program will commence this year at MacDonald Park today Tuesday 26 April with the planting of Scarlet Oak trees
ARC adopts turnaround strategy underpinned by proposed SRV - Strategic budget documents that set a plan to turnaround the systemic revenue issues of the past 20 years was the cornerstone of the adopted budget that will be underpinned by a community consultation process to support a proposed 50 percent Special Rate Variation (SRV).
Armidale Farmers’ Market Inc secures the operations of the farmers’ market in Armidale - Council has secured the original operators of the Armidale Farmers’ Market Inc to operate the popular markets held in the Armidale creeklands. The markets will not be on as scheduled this weekend and will now operate the second Sunday of the month.
Australia Day ambassador announced - Antarctic Station Leader and 2015 NSW Australian of the Year Finalist Narelle Campbell has been confirmed as the Armidale region’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2022.
Autumn Festival returns with a new April date and focus on activation of the mall precinct - After a two year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions the annual Armidale Autumn Festival is returning this year with a new date on 2 April and a wonderful new format that will stimulate activation of the Armidale mall and the CBD precinct.
Big Chill Festival draws crowd of thousands from near and far - Civic Park transformed into a sea of people over the weekend as locals and travellers from as far as Tasmania and Western Australia lined up to attend this year’s Big Chill Festival.
Brian Flint receives city's top gong as Citizen of the Year - Armidale Australia Day Awards ceremony recognises achievements of long-standing community volunteers
Bus to provide regular access to the Guyra shopping precinct - A bus to take Guyra residents into the shopping precinct on Bradley Street in Guyra is now available through the Guyra Home Support Services.
Buskers & Comedy Festival returning to Armidale - The Stars of the Coffs Harbour International Buskers and Comedy Festival are returning to Armidale’s Beardy Street Mall during the School Holidays for a day of fabulous fun on Tuesday 27 September.
Colourful new planting in time for Spring - A range of forms and a variety of colour are the intended objective for new garden beds in the Guyra main street and marks the conclusion of the beautification of Bradley Street for now.
Community collaboration project officially open for trading - A new street library has come to fruition at Guyra’s popular camping grounds, Mother of Ducks Lagoon, thanks to a community collaboration project between Armidale Regional Libraries and Guyra Men’s Shed Inc.
Community replant native street trees after damage from tornado - Native Eucalyptus nicholii trees destroyed in the avenue of established trees along Erskine Street following last year’s tornado have been replanted by community members.
Community to experience ice-rink one week later than anticipated - The Armidale region will soon get to experience the magic of skating on ice at Armidale’s Curtis Park next month, although a small date change has occurred to accommodate contractor availabilities.
Construction commences on airside amenities - Construction has commenced on an airside amenities and crew rest area at the Armidale Regional Airport.
Consultation commences for proposed 50% increase to land rates - ARC is seeking community input on a proposal to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a permanent Special Rate Variation of around 50% over three years.
Council appoints new Chief Officer – Corporate and Community - Armidale Regional Council’s Manager Communications and Marketing Darren Schaefer has been appointed as the new Chief Officer Corporate and Community to join Council’s senior leadership team and help guide the organisation on its change journey.
Council endorses 50% permanent SRV application - Armidale Regional Council is a step closer to financial sustainability and unlocking the economic potential of the region after councillors endorsed to move forward with an application for a permanent Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 50% to be phased in over three years.
Council future-proofs region with purchase of Oaky River Dam - Following a lengthy expression of interest process, Council has today resolved to secure the purchase of the Oaky River Dam, located 40 kilometres east of Armidale near Wollomombi. The dam will be a vital component to secure our water supply for the region and a significant step in meeting Council’s ambitious population and growth targets.
Council living values with gift giving to seniors - This Christmas will be the 20th year Armidale Regional Council (ARC) staff have given individual gifts to every person on the Uralla-Armidale and Guyra Meals on Wheels rounds, with 200 gifts being delivered in the week leading up to Christmas. Also this year, Council staff are supporting the locally organised charity Santas for Seniors, to create hampers for workers in the aged care facilities over Christmas.
Council Meeting Wrap-Up - Highlights of September 28 Council Meeting
Council Meeting Wrap-Up 26 October 2022 - Highlights of the October 26 2022 Council Meeting include; Activation of the Armidale Mall and CBD, Aboriginal and Access Advisory Committes formally recognised and Guyra to have two leash-free areas.
Council meetings centralised in Armidale - Ordinary Council Meetings will now be centralised in Armidale to safely accommodate more members of the public
Council planning and budget series - Introduction - A message from Mayor Coupland regarding Council's planning and budget period.
Council planning and budget series - The Budget - Mayor Coupland says we have two options, either grow our way out or manage the decline.
Council planning and budget series - The Challenges - Mayor Coupland explains the issues facing Council and the opportunities that lay ahead.
Council sets ambitious target for jobs - A bold and ambitious aspirational target of 4000 new jobs by 2040 has been supported by council.
Council takes the reins to connect with our village communities - Santa’s reindeer visited schools in Ebor and Wollomombi, as part of a reindeer tour, organised as part of Council’s goal to connect more frequently with the village communities.
Council teams-up with Backtrack for flood safety - Flood gates are being installed across eight Dumaresq Creek causeways to improve safety during flooding events.
Council's planning and budget series - Workshops - Council is continuing to workshop solutions and canvassing scenarios to deliver on the hopes and dreams of our region.
Curator Talks at the Armidale Folk Museum - Curator Talks provide an intimate insight into ladies’ fashion from the early 1900s and the quintessential cup of tea ritual of an afternoon social tradition.
Dangarsleigh Hall to celebrate 125 years - A largely unknown fact of the Hillgrove connection to the historic Dangarsleigh Hall is being recognised with a 125 year celebration event on Saturday 20 August from 11.30am.
December Council Meeting Wrap-up - If you missed the December 14 Council meeting, then you may be interested to read the highlights, including the decision for Council to purchase Oaky Dam.
Defibrillators expanded across Armidale region sporting venues - Four defibrillators have been added to the growing list of sporting venues across the Armidale region with the life-saving devices.
Dianne Burey named Guyra Citizen of the Year - The Guyra Australia Day Awards dinner recognised local volunteers and quiet achievers.
Dog’s day out proposed for Guyra leash-free areas - Two leash-free areas proposed for Guyra are now on public exhibition for community feedback.
Electricity network upgrade for Guyra CBD - Essential Energy will soon commence work on the upgrade of the electricity network in Guyra’s main street.
Council meeting wrap-up - Highlights of the 23 February council meeting
February council meeting moved to Armidale Chambers - This month’s council meeting scheduled in Guyra on 23 February has been moved to Armidale.
Feedback required to make the Armidale region more inclusive - Council’s draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2026 is now on public exhibition for 28 days from Thursday 26 May to Wednesday 22 June for community input.
Have your say - community swimming pools - Want to shape the future of your aquatic centres in Armidale and Guyra?
Have your say - proposed Special Rate Variation - Council has resolved to seek community input on a proposal to apply for a permanent rate increase. Have your say today.
HMAS Armidale 80th Commemoration - A memorial service was held this week for the 80th Commemoration of the Sinking of the HMAS Armidale.
Induction process begins for new council before meeting to elect mayor and deputy - A mix of fresh faces and experience on the new Armidale Regional Council met this week for the first of a series of induction workshops.
Join a free tour of Council facilities and learn about Local Government services - Have you ever wondered what happens after you flush the toilet or when you put your recycling out on the kerbside? Or do you just want to know about the various services your Council delivers in the community?
Kerb and gutter renewal program rolls-out across the city - Small inroads are being made in addressing Council’s extensive asset renewal backlog with the commencement of a $400k kerb and gutter program.
Live stream the February Ordinary Council Meeting - Live stream the February Ordinary Council Meeting
Live stream the July 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting - Watch the Council Meeting live now
Live stream the June 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting - Watch the Council Meeting live now
Livestream Council Meeting - Council Meeting will commence at 4pm.
Local contractor secures construction for Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area upgrade - Local contractor JNC Group Indigenous Contractors Pty Ltd has secured the contract for the $3.9 million upgrade of the Dumaresq Dam Reserve Redevelopment Project.Council endorsed the appointment at the ordinary meeting held on Wednesday 14 December 2022 and marks a significant milestone for the upgrade of the Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area.
Local Government Election Declaration of Results - Local Government Election Declaration of Results
Mayor joins battle to improve regional and rural health services - A light is shining bright on the state’s health crisis and the tabling in Parliament of the Legislative Council Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access has prompted the Country Mayors Association of NSW to host a Rural Health Forum last month.
Mayor joins executive team of the Country Mayors Association of NSW - In his first year as an elected representative of Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland has been elected to the executive team of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA).
More planning reforms proposed by ambitious new Council - The wide ranging reform agenda of the ambitious new Council continues with another unanimous resolution to make more changes to local planning laws.
Mums returning to work at council supported with new breastfeeding space - Returning to work at council after a period of maternity leave has been made easier with a dedicated breastfeeding space and a new management policy.
Music in the Armidale Mall to groove to on Saturdays - Groove to the sounds of local musical talent on Saturdays in the Armidale Mall with ‘Musicians of Armidale’ commencing morning sessions from this weekend at 10am on the mall stage.
NAIDOC Week celebrations - The Armidale region will be buzzing with cultural activities next week as national NAIDOC Week celebrations take place across the country from 3 - 10 July.
New LEP a vital tool in growing our region - Council has resolved unanimously to support the proposed Armidale Regional Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
New pilot project to bolster the region’s aquatic centres - The future is looking brighter for aquatic centres across the Armidale region thanks to an ambitious new project between Armidale Regional Council and the Y NSW.
Nine heritage listed trees scheduled for removal - Heritage trees along Rusden Street, between Dangar and Faulkner Streets will be removed due to declining health and uplifting roots creating safety and accessibility issues for pedestrians.
Nominations open now for Armidale and Guyra 2023 Australia Day Awards - Nominations are now open for local 2023 Australia Day Awards and are an opportunity to recognise the achievements of everyday community members doing remarkable things in our region.
November Council meeting wrap-up - If you have missed the November Council meeting we have summarised the main news for you in this wrap-up, including Free Mulch for the community.
One-off Additional Special Variation lifeline for maintaining revenue from rates - Councils that were short changed and only received a 0.7% rate peg can now apply for a one-off Additional Special Variation (ASV) to make-up the difference.
Ordinary Council Meeting 12 January 2022 - Live stream the meeting now
Ordinary Council Meeting 23 March 2022 - Live stream the Ordinary Council Meeting
Organisational structure review - General Manager James Roncon discusses stage one of the organisational structure review
Partnership grows with new lease and improvements to home of BackTrack - The community’s partnership with youth organisation BackTrack grows with a new lease arrangement with Armidale Regional Council for the Grafton Road depot and an injection of asset improvements to the site by BackTrack.
Permanent base in Guyra for building surveyor - Expert advice to help you navigate the construction approvals process is now based permanently at the Guyra Civic Administration Building.
Planning reforms create opportunities for farmers - Council resolved unanimously to make changes to local planning laws that make it easier for farmers to use their land in new and innovative ways.
Planning reforms support disaster victims to rebuild homes - Council resolved to make changes to local planning laws to support homeowners wanting to repair or replace homes destroyed by a natural disaster.
Public exhibition of catchment water quality strategy - A new Catchment Water Quality Strategic Plan 2022 – 2032 guiding Council and its stakeholders to better manage water quality entering streams and water reservoirs is now on public exhibition for community feedback.
Australian Transport Museum Regional Planning Panel DA approval - The Australian Transport Museum Limited is one step closer to realising a long held dream of a museum to showcase the region’s transportation heritage with the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP) approving the development in July.
Road blockages from fallen trees - Clean-up following damaging winds
Sam Coupland elected mayor - The contest for the next mayor and deputy of Armidale Regional Council was determined today with councillors voting Sam Coupland as mayor and Todd Redwood as deputy mayor.
Sporting field closures - The latest update on sporting field closures.
Stage set for a good scare this Halloween - The Armidale Mall will be overflowing with ghosts, witches, stilt-walkers, balloon-makers and roving characters for a major Halloween event on Friday 28 October from 5pm to 9pm.
Strategic documents now on public exhibition - Council’s annual Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents including the proposed 2022-23 Budget, Fees and Charges and Resourcing Strategy are now on Public Exhibition for community feedback.
Summary reveals community's aspirations for the next 10 years - A summary of community feedback on the development of the Community Plan is now available to view.
Summit unshackles jobs growth strategy - The wheels are in motion to drive an ambitious jobs growth strategy as Councillors, expert economists and planners gathered for a Planning and Jobs Growth Summit, to identify the essential next steps for our region’s prosperity.
The Extraordinary Council Meeting 10 May 2022 - Live stream the Extraordinary Council Meeting
Trees earmarked for removal after risk assessment identified safety concerns - Four locations across the local government area have been identified for the removal of mature trees that are posing a significant safety risk to road users, property and pedestrians.
UNE and Council to work together to drive success of Armidale - Leaders from UNE and Council have formalised their commitment to work together to develop Armidale and the region as a ’Learning Region’.
Volunteers celebrated for National Volunteer Week 2022 - It’s National Volunteer Week and to celebrate, the region’s volunteers have been recognised in the New England Volunteer Awards held yesterday in the Armidale Town Hall for their selfless community service.
Water security package key to region’s prosperity - The first of Council’s region building infrastructure packages was unveiled yesterday.
Wrap-up of the Ordinary Council Meeting 25 May 2022 - A summary of the May Ordinary Council Meeting
Wrap-up of the Ordinary Council Meeting 28 April 2022 - A summary of the April Ordinary Council Meeting

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New England Volunteer Awards 2023: The New England Volunteer Awards for 2023 were presented on Thursday 18 May in the Armidale Council Chambers with a record 29 nominations received.

City’s highest honour awarded to Tony Deakin: Mr Antony ‘Tony’ Deakin OAM, former mayor and architect, has been granted the City’s highest honour of the Keys to the City by Armidale Regional Council, at a special ceremony held in the Armidale Mall on Wednesday 17 May 2023.

New permanent off-leash dog park for Guyra: Armidale Regional Council (ARC) is now in the early design stages of a leash-free dog area in South Guyra Park, approved by Council at the May meeting, with some works scheduled to commence before the end of June.

Twenty tonnes of recycling sold from Armidale's top crate system: Armidale’s world-class crate recycling system continues to lead the way to secure markets for our plastics, with approximately twenty (20) tonnes of mixed plastics being loaded on to trucks and exported from Council’s waste facilities on Friday 12 May.

Council is a proud champion of Privacy Awareness Week 2023: Privacy Awareness Week NSW takes place from 1 – 7 May 2023 and this year’s theme is Back to Basics: Privacy foundations in NSW. Armidale Regional Council is a proud Champion of Privacy Awareness Week NSW 2023 and is committed to protecting the privacy of NSW citizens.

Mayor congratulates Rotary on longest continuous second hand book sale in New England: Mayor of Armidale Regional Council, Sam Coupland congratulates Armidale Central Rotary on 25 years of the sale and giving generously of their time to the community.

Youth Week is a chance to ‘Connect, Participate and Celebrate’: Armidale Regional Council is hosting free activities in Armidale and Guyra for this year’s Youth Week from 20 to 29 April and welcome all young people in the community to be part of the celebrations.

ARC delivers single largest road project undertaken by a NSW Council: It is an unprecedented time to be part of Armidale Regional Council (ARC) as it delivers the single largest road project ever undertaken by a NSW council.

40 years of Breakfast with the Band on Autumn Festival day: This Saturday’s Autumn Festival marks the fortieth year of the Armidale City Band’s popular ‘Breakfast with the Band’ major fundraising event. Affectionately known by the band as the ‘Pancake Breakfast’, it has grown from humble beginnings in 1982 to an Armidale Autumn Festival institution.

March Meeting Wrap-Up: If you missed the latest Council meeting, we have given you a wrap-up of the main points discussed.