5 September, 2025
Spring is in the air! It's time to enjoy the warmer days and sunny skies while they last. The BOM's long range forecast is for above average rainfall for much of eastern Australia. So it does look like we will have more rainfall for our region. Rain is always welcome but some sunny days to dry out the land, particularly for our mower crews would also be welcome. I have recently got out on my bike again which has been refreshing and much needed for the body! If you see me around be sure to say hello and get out there and soak up the region!
Regional Ramble provides an insight into what has been occupying me as the Mayor. What is my focus? What are we championing on your behalf? Let’s get into it!
Work commences to restore a forgotten area of the Armidale Creeklands
I’m thrilled to share that construction has officially begun on the Armidale Creeklands Restoration Project, right behind the Monckton Aquatic Centre. This $3 million investment, funded by the NSW Government, marks a major step in transforming a once overlooked area into a vibrant public space for all to enjoy. This project is stage one of a much bigger masterplan to restore the Armidale Creeklands between Markham Street in the east and Taylor Street in the west.
Works include:
• Weeding, revegetation, and bank stabilisation of Dumaresq Creek
• Picnic shelters
• Shared path with solar lighting
• Reconstruction of the Spanish arch wall
• Exercise station
• Interpretative signage and Aboriginal places signage
• New pedestrian crossing and entry to the area off Dumaresq Street
Advancing inclusive housing initiatives with St Vincent de Paul and Global Sisters
It was extremely pleasing at last week’s council meeting to take the next step in our Social and Affordable Housing Project. We’re collaborating with St Vincent de Paul and Global Sisters to deliver housing solutions.
With St Vincent de Paul, we’ll co-design high-quality homes that blend seamlessly into our neighbourhoods, supported by wraparound services that promote health, wellbeing, and community connection. These homes will be indistinguishable from private dwellings and reduce the stigma that surrounds affordable and social housing.
Alongside this, our collaboration with Global Sisters will focus on empowering women through a unique opportunity to embed economic participation and security into housing delivery. Global Sisters brings a proven model that helps women build financial independence and resilience, starting with the foundational need of housing security.
The Social and Affordable Housing Project is a key part of Council’s Local Housing Strategy and supports the vision of Toward 50,000. It also addresses housing pressures expected from the Renewable Energy Zone by delivering inclusive, community-driven solutions.
GM James Roncon signs for 5 years
I am delighted to share some exciting news with our community: General Manager James Roncon has signed with Armidale Regional Council for another five years.
James has been a driving force behind the transformation of our Council over the past four years. His leadership, vision, and commitment have helped us become a high-performing organisation, and his ability to unite our team and build trust is second to none.
At our most recent Council meeting, we resolved to offer James a new five-year term, and I am thrilled that he has accepted. This decision ensures stability and continued progress for Armidale and the wider region.
James’ dedication to our community is unwavering. Whether it’s delivering major projects, supporting local initiatives, or fostering innovation, he always puts Armidale first. I look forward to working alongside James as we continue to build a vibrant, resilient, and forward-thinking region together.
On behalf of Council and our community, congratulations James! Thank you for your ongoing service.
Let's do some mythbusting!
Armidale Regional Council has recently endorsed a strategic partnership with Home NSW to explore new housing opportunities at two key sites in Armidale: the former Duval High School and 17 Grandview Crescent.
This collaboration marks an exciting opportunity to work closely with Home NSW to unlock the housing potential of these well-positioned sites.
Why these locations?
The land at 56–72 Crest Road, formerly home to Duval High School, has been identified in the Government’s land audit as surplus land—meaning it is no longer required for its original purpose and is available for alternative uses.
What if we need another school?
As Armidale’s population continues to grow, the demand for education infrastructure is a real and emerging challenge. Council has proactively planned for this by identifying sufficient land in each of its growth areas to accommodate future community infrastructure, including schools, open spaces, and local amenities such as neighbourhood shops.
Why this matters
These sites present a unique opportunity to deliver diverse and renewed housing options in accessible, well-connected areas. With the Renewable Energy Zone expected to place further pressure on an already tight housing market, Council is stepping up—not sitting on the sidelines.
This is a chance to demonstrate leadership and maturity by partnering with the NSW Government to respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Armidale region receives disaster assistance
Following the severe weather event in August, disaster assistance has now been extended to Armidale Regional Council (ARC).
Support is being provided under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help communities recover and rebuild. ARC is now eligible to lodge claims for Essential Public Asset Restoration or apply for assistance through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA).
Why was our Disaster Declaration later than others?
ARC took a thorough and responsible approach, ensuring accurate cost estimates and proper documentation.
As a larger LGA, ARC staff were still heavily involved in emergency response efforts well into August - including clearing key routes like Waterfall Way between the Airport and around town. This delayed our ability to compile and submit the necessary data.
While our declaration came later, it does not affect our eligibility for assistance. In fact, our detailed submission strengthens our case and, based on past experience (such as the tornado event), improves our chances of full cost reimbursement.
Ask Us Anything!
Join Councillor Kay Endres and I for the next Ask us Anything.
Got something on your mind? A question, an idea, or just curious about what’s happening in our region? Come along to the next ‘Ask Us Anything’ session for a relaxed chat over coffee.
Cr Kay Endres and me will be at:
- Hustle Cafe, Armidale Central
- 8:00am – 9:30am, Wednesday 10 September 2025
Later in the month Cr Susan McMichael and me will be at:
- Courthouse Cafe, Armidale Mall
- 8:00am – 9:30am, Wednesday 24 September 2025
No need to book—just drop in, grab a cuppa, and say hello. These sessions are all about keeping things open and easy, so feel free to bring whatever’s on your mind.
We’re holding these chats at different cafes around the region, so if you can’t make this one, keep an eye out for the next. Looking forward to seeing you there!
You are receiving this e-newsletter from Armidale Regional Council as you have interacted with council using this email address. The purpose of this monthly e-newsletter is to keep you informed of council news and events from the Mayor's desk, which we hope you will find informative.
