Projects, news and current events | 29 September 2025
Creative Streets takes flight with aerial acts
The Creative Streets Festival will take Armidale' creative scene to new heights with a spectacular lineup of entertainment that will ignite your imagination and celebrate our region’s vibrant spirit. 🎨🎶
What’s On:
🎭 Live performances from local artists and performers
🎨 Interactive art installations and tech-powered experiences
🍜 Global flavours from cultural food vendors
🧠 Innovation showcases blending creativity and technology
🌍 Cultural storytelling and heritage displays
🎈 Opening Night kicks off Friday 17 October, 5–9:30pm across the Armidale CBD!
This isn’t just a festival, it’s a creative collision of art, music, ideas, and community. Come groove, taste, explore, and celebrate what makes Armidale the creative heart of Northern NSW.
The Creative Streets Festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government.
Project update - Armidale Creeklands Restoration Project
Work is progressing well with contractor Wallace Construction completing site establishment.
Clearing of trees and vegetation along the banks of Dumaresq Creek is underway. Demolition of the derelict spanish arches wall is complete and earthworks across the site has commenced.
Work expected to be completed over the next month includes the continuation of vegetation removal and tree felling, services locations and earthworks and formwork for paths and slabs.
You asked, we delivered!
We are pleased to announce the official launch of Summit magazine – Sharing stories of real people making real impact in the Armidale Region.
Following feedback from our recent communications survey, it was clear that residents want more print-based communication from Council.
So we thought: why not showcase the stories that matter most, told by the people living them.
We’ve distributed 1,000 copies throughout the Armidale Region! Keep an eye out at key locations near you.
Are you keen for fun and learning these school holidays?
Armidale and Guyra Libraries have a full program on offer for children and young people from 29 September to 10 October.
From storytime and craft to lego and music, from movies and virtual reality to computer programming and science, children and young people from across the region should find something to spark their interest at Armidale Regional Libraries.
There is also space for HSC students to study (with snacks!)
Contact the library for details and to register - in person or by phone 6770 3636
Have your say on Laneway Stories Project
Council is inviting the community to have their say on a new initiative aimed at making the Armidale CBD more walkable and welcoming.
The Laneway Stories Project is now on public exhibition, with feedback open until Thursday 23 October, 2025 via YourSay Armidale.
The project proposes naming five existing laneways under a historical theme, with each name reflecting the character and heritage of surrounding buildings. These names have been carefully selected in consultation with local historians and community stakeholders.
The initiative supports several existing CBD revitalisation plans and aligns with Council’s Property Addressing and Naming Our Roads and Places Policy, adopted in May 2024. It also contributes to broader goals around creating a more connected, accessible, and welcoming city centre.
Australian Army Band Coming to Armidale for One-Night-Only Concert
Armidale locals are in for a treat this Wednesday, with the Australian Army Band heading to town for a special evening performance at the Armidale Town Hall.
The concert kicks off at 6:30pm on Wednesday, 1st October, and promises a lively mix of music, from well-loved classics to upbeat favourites, all performed with the energy and talent the Army Band is known for.
Can’t make it in the evening? Catch the band earlier in the day with a free lunchtime performance in the Mall from 12pm - 1pm!
Celebrating the Class of 2025
This afternoon we came together in Armidale to celebrate our year 12 students at a special event in the Armidale Mall hosted by Mayor Sam Coupland and joined by UNE Vice Chancellor Professor Chris Moran.
It was an afternoon to recognise the hard work, resilience and achievements of the graduating class of 2025 - a milestone that marks the beginning of bright futures ahead.
On behalf of the community congratulations to all our years 12 students. We are so proud of you and can't wait to see the paths you'll take next.
Free Mulch Available Every Weekend in October
Following the recent snowstorm, our community came together to dispose of 2,000 tonnes of green waste, a remarkable effort that highlights the strength and resilience of our region.
To support ongoing recovery and promote water conservation, Council is offering free mulch to residents every weekend throughout October!
Free Mulch Details
Available on weekends only:
📅 October 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26
📍 Locations:
- Armidale Waste Management Facility
- Guyra Community Recycling Centre
🚫 No deliveries
🚗 Limit of 1 load per customer
💳 Weekday visitors will be required to pay
Free community grant writing workshop
Calling all community groups and local changemakers! 📣
Do you have a great project idea but need funding to bring it to life?
Council is hosting a free Community Grant Writing Workshop, to be led by Unearthed Prosperity, that might provide you with the support and tools you need to source and win that grant!
✅ Learn the essentials of grant writing
✅ Practice hands-on exercises with real funding opportunities
✅ Discover how AI tools can support your applications
✅ Walk away with templates, tips, and a draft project summary ready to refine
Where: NOVA, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale
When: 9am - 12noon, Tuesday 14 October
Nominations open for local Australia day awards
Every community has its quiet achievers – the people and groups who give their time, energy, and heart to make life better for others. Now is your chance to recognise them.
Armidale Regional Council is calling for nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations across our region.
From tireless
volunteers and inspiring young leaders to community groups making a real difference, the awards honour everyday people doing great things!
Award categories include:
🧑🤝🧑 Citizen of the Year
👵 Senior Citizen/Elder of the Year
🧒 Young Citizen of the Year
🤝 Community Service Award
🎭🎨🎶 Art, Drama or Music Award
🌱🌏 Environmental Citizen of the Year
🏅🏃♂️ Sports Person of the Year
👥🎉 Community Group/Event of the Year
NBN rolls out major internet speed upgrades
NBN Co has launched one of Australia’s biggest internet upgrades, giving millions of homes and businesses access to significantly faster broadband under the Accelerate Great program.
Designed to meet the growing demand for high-speed broadband, the program enables homes and businesses to do more online - whether it’s streaming, working, learning, gaming or using new digital tools.
Most eligible customers will be upgraded automatically. To maximise performance, NBN recommends checking your home setup: Tips to optimise your internet
Food Waste in Households: A Costly Concern
Recent statistics reveal that households spend a significant portion of their budget on food, yet a surprising amount ends up in the bin.
This not only impacts household finances but also contributes to environmental strain through increased landfill and greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing food waste starts with smarter shopping, better storage, and mindful meal planning.
Let’s turn this around by planning our meals and storing them correctly! Together, we can make a difference.
And if everything else fails, for those with waste collection services, make sure to put food waste in the City to Soil green-lid bin, so it can be turned into a compost.
Volunteering in your community is a 'win-win'
There are great benefits for the community, and there can be many positive benefits for you too!
If you've been wondering about volunteering but weren't sure where to begin, reach out to the Armidale Volunteer Referral Service (AVRS).
AVRS assists people wishing to become actively involved in their local community.
Find out more on Council's website - or come along to one of the regular volunteer morning teas!
The next morning tea is at 10.30am on Thursday 25 September in the Jacaranda Room under Hughes House, Armidale.
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
NSW Orienteering Championships held in Armidale and Uralla
Congratulations to all 220 competitors who last week navigated their way through the NSW Middle and long Orienteering Championships held right here in Armidale and Uralla!
Partipants came from across the NSW and ACT to tackle some of the more challenging terrain over two days of brilliant weather to wrap up a great event.
Well done to all the winners, and a big shoutout to the event organisers Maurice from the Northern Tablelands Orienteering Club, Robyn from Orienteering NSW, all the volunteers and event organisors that made this such a great event!
Trail works underway at Kookaburra Crest
Maintenance and upgrades are now underway at Kookaburra Crest Mountain Bike Park, led by New England Mountain Bike Club in collaboration with Josh Green (OA Trail).
The works will restore key features of the park, including reshaped berms, refined jumps, and improved safety across the trail network. Riders are kindly asked to avoid the area until Thursday 2 October to allow the team to complete the upgrades safely and efficiently.
We look forward to welcoming the community back to enjoy the refreshed trails soon. Stay tuned for progress updates throughout the week.
Calling all stallholders
Get ready to bring the Christmas cheer! Christmas in the Mall and the Guyra Christmas Carnival are coming soon!
Save the date: These magical events are happening this festive season, and we’re on the lookout for vibrant, creative, and community-minded stallholders to help make them sparkle! Whether you sell handmade gifts, delicious treats, or something totally unique - we want YOU!
- Christmas in the Mall: 4 December, 2025
- Guyra Christmas Carnival: 5 December, 2025
Want to be part of the festivities?
Email: events@armidale.nsw.gov.au to apply and secure your spot!
Ask us anything
If you have a burning question, a pressing issue, or would like to hear more on the latest from our region, come along to the next 'Ask us anything' session.
Join Mayor Sam Coupland and Cr Paul Gaddes for a cuppa and conversation!
WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Wednesday 8 October 2025
WHERE: Seesaw Cafe
Embedded battery recycling trial at AWWF!
The Armidale Waste Management Facility (AWMF) is now accepting items with embedded batteries at its Community Recycling Centre (CRC).
Common items you might have at home that contain an embedded battery are: Bluetooth speakers and headphones, electric toothbrushes. e-scooters, e-bikes and hover boards. flashing/light up toys – particularly wands or other hard plastic products, personal care devices (eg. shavers).
HSC Study Retreat
Class is out for Year 12! Well done everyone 👏
Now, HSC students as you are preparing for some weeks of study ahead, consider taking advantage of the HSC Study Retreat at Armidale or Guyra Library!
If you are looking for a quiet and comfortable space to study next week (alone or in a group), drop into Armidale or Guyra Library!
Current requests for tender
Explore Council's current tender opportunities currently on offer.
Visit Council's website and search Tenders or click the link below.
Applications on notification
Curious about the latest development applications currently on notification? Our website makes it simple to stay informed about all the developments in your area.
To see what's currently on notification, just click the link below!
Have your say | What's currently on public exhibition
Laneway Stories - Closes 23 October
Current vacancies
- Chief Finance Officer | Closes 5 October
- Chief Officer Regional Growth and Infrastructure | Closes 5 October
- Coordinator Regulation | Closes 12 October
- WHS Manager | Closes 5 October
Council Meetings
The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 22 October 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.
