Mayor 2017 -2020
Simon Murray is a cattle grazier with a passion for innovation and working on the land.
Simon’s early life was on large cattle properties in northern Queensland, before he moved to Brisbane for an education. He continued his education at tertiary level achieving a Bachelor of Engineering in Toowoomba and then much later a PhD in Natural Resources at the University of New England in Armidale.
He was a lecturer in Natural Resources and Rural Science at UNE for many years.
After purchasing his own cattle property near Guyra 18 years ago, he transitioned out of his academic career to become a full-time farmer.
Simon is an active member of his community and has been involved with local organisations including Southern New England Landcare, the NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Rural Fire Service.
He was Deputy Mayor of the last Guyra Shire Council and was the first Mayor of the new Armidale Regional Council.