Projects, news and current events  |  10 November 2025

Community comes together for a magical Christmas season

The festive season will shine brightly across the region as the community comes together to celebrate Christmas in the Mall in Armidale and the Guyra Rotary Christmas Carnival in Guyra. Christmas in the Mall will take place in Beardy Street on Thursday 4 December from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, followed by the Guyra Rotary Christmas Carnival on Bradley Street on Friday 5 December from 4pm to 8pm.

These much-anticipated events are a celebration of community spirit, bringing people together to enjoy the magic of the season while supporting local businesses, market stalls and performers. From families and friends to visitors and neighbours, everyone is invited to share in the joy of Christmas.

Have your say on the proposal of a new community garden and food hub

We are exploring the creation of a new community garden and food hub. This initiative aims to create a shared green space where community members can grow fresh produce, learn about sustainable practices, and foster social connections. The garden will support food security, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing, and is designed to complement existing gardens in Armidale.

New addition welcomed to Guyra Preschool family

Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre has welcomed a new addition to the centre's family!

Willow, the Australian leaf insect (Walaphyllium monteithi) has become a popular resident at Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre. Children at the centre have been enthusiastically observing and caring for this small creature.

According to Preschool Coordinator Flick Williams, the arrival of Willow was inspired by the children's growing interest in bugs and insects.

"Our educators have been crafting intentional teaching opportunities focused on the environment, and environmentally sustainable initiatives," said Ms Williams.

Multi-million dollar upgrade seals long term future for livestock industry

Council has officially marked the completion of a $10 million upgrade to the Guyra and Armidale Saleyards, representing a significant step forward for the region’s agricultural infrastructure and economic future.

Coordinator of the Guyra Saleyards and Director of APL Guyra Armidale Sam Sewell said the upgrades have received some very positive feedback from producers so far.

“It’s great to see producers again wanting to come along on sale days to see their lambs sold, catch up with fellow producers and just experience the atmosphere that has been created by the upgraded establishments.

These upgrades firmly position the Armidale region as a key hub in Australia’s livestock industry, laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and innovation in agricultural trade for years to come”

Funded through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and jointly supported by the Australian and NSW Governments, the project has delivered transformative improvements that enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of both facilities.

Delivered by Shay Brennan Constructions Pty Ltd, the Guyra Saleyards now feature modern steel sheep yards replacing the old timber infrastructure, upgraded stock watering systems, improved road access including ring road upgrades, and a relocated cattle yard to improve site functionality. The site also includes a completed effluent pond and fencing, incorporating the innovative ‘Weeping Wall’ system.

At the Armidale Saleyards, the upgrades include a new solar system to support sustainability goals, a wastewater reuse network with improved washdown water management, and the construction of bull pens, a sales platform, and new water tanks. The site also boasts a new office, amenities, and canteen facilities, along with improved vehicle parking and landscaping around the Administration Building.

SUMMIT MAGAZINE | Michelle Arens

Whilst the Armidale Folk Museum is closed for renovations we thought we would share an article from our latest edition of Summit Magazine.

One of the strengths of the magazine is that we focus on the stories behind the services we provide - through the people that benefit and contribute.

Michelle Arens has always been attracted to objects and the stories they tell. Michelle is a volunteer at the Armidale Folk Museum.

To learn more about Michelle and her passion for historic objects you can view the online edition of the magazine below or pick up a copy at one of our libraries or at the council civic administration buildings in Armidale or Guyra.

Rainwater Tank Rebate

Water security is a top priority for our region. With the risk of drought on the rise, we’re helping our community stay resilient, even during wetter periods, because securing our water’s future requires consistent year-round action. 

Residents of the Armidale Region can apply for a rainwater tank rebate for new water tanks.

• $250 for tanks between 2,000 and 10,000 litres
• $500 for tanks over 10,000 litres

But hurry, funding is limited!

NSW Small Business Commissioner visits Armidale

During Small Business Month (October), we welcomed Acting NSW Small Business Commissioner Catherine Ellis to Armidale!

Council hosted a roundtable discussion for small business and industry representatives from the Armidale region. This was a chance to share ideas, opinions, experience, and expertise - and consider solutions to challenges.

The Commissioner toured NOVA and met some of UNE SMART Region Incubator's community of business founders, then walked through Armidale CBD to meet with more local business owners.

Thank you to the Office of NSW Small Business Commissioner and Service NSW Business Bureau for initiating this visit, and thanks to everyone who joined us along the way!

Tell us what you loved about the Creative Streets Festival 2025!

We hope you had an amazing time at the Creative Streets Festival 2025! Now, we’d love to hear from you.

Take a few minutes to fill out our survey and let us know:

• What were your favourite moments?
• Which performances, installations or experiences stood out?
• What could make next year’s festival even better?

Your feedback helps us grow, improve, and make the Creative Streets Festival 2026 even better!

Ready for renewables workshop

EnergyCo and the Deparment of Primary Industries and Regional Development are hosting a one-day workshop designed to help your business access opportunities in NSW's renewable energy supply chains.

Wednesday 12 November
Armidale City Bowling Club
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

This workshop is ideal for small to medium enterprises looking to supply goods or services to major renewable energy projects across NSW. You'll hear directly from EnergyCo, ICN, and project proponents, and gain practical tools to strengthen your tendering capability.

• Learn about upcoming procurement opportunities
• Build your business capability
• Connect with industry leaders and peers

Spots are limited – secure yours today and position your business for success in the renewable energy sector.

Entries Now Open for the 2026 Autumn Festival Parade!

It’s that time of year again! We’re calling on schools, community groups, businesses, performers, and creative locals to be part of the 2026 Autumn Festival Parade.

Whether you’ve got a float idea, a marching band, a dance crew, or just a great costume, we want you in the parade. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate our community, showcase local talent, and bring colour and energy to the streets of Armidale

Approved development applications | October 2025

Take a look at the development applications apporved in October 2025.

310 Beardy Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling

178 Andersons Road CASTLE DOYLE NSW 2350 - Change the existing laundry into an ensuite for the master bedroom and to relocate the laundry.

89 Martin Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Change Screen Room (Alfresco) into Glass Room

91 Arundel Drive ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Alterations and Additions to dwelling, Carport and Patio

15 Dale Crescent ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Construction of a Retaining Wall

12 Spring Camp Road ENMORE NSW 2350 - Two lot subdivision

165 Allingham Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Renovation of existing bathroom, demolition of existing rear patio and roof over, construction of new rear patio and roof over.

37 Taylor Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Alterations and Additions to a Dwelling house and the erection of a detached outbuilding shed.

301 Kellys Plains Road ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Conversion of Existing Shed into a Single-Storey Dwelling

182 Dangar Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Installation of cement piers, construction of a garage

106-114 Kentucky Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - One day community festival involving entertainment on 2 stages, market stalls, food and drink stalls and activities. Up to 3000 total attendees during the day. Set up from 7am. Pack up to 11pm. Festival hours 10am to 10pm.

55 Kurrawatha Avenue ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Boundary adjustment involving Lot 1 in DP 1237156, Lot 1 in DP 608020, Lot 13 in DP 112693 and Lot 674 in DP 7558082

77 Arundel Drive ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Construction of a cement slab, erection of a prefabricated shed kit

12 Colin Crescent ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Centre-based Childcare Facility - 113 spaces (modification)

Council Meetings

The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 26 November 2025 at 4pm.

All meetings will be held at 4pm in the Armidale Council Chambers unless stated otherwise. The public are welcome to watch the live streaming over YouTube, via the link included below, or attend in person.

The meetings are conducted under the Armidale Regional Council Code of Meeting Practice which can be found on the Council’s Policy page.

You are receiving this e-newsletter from Armidale Regional Council as you have interacted with council using this email address. The purpose of this fortnightly e-newsletter is to keep you informed of council news and events which we hope you will find informative.