3 October, 2025

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!

Class of 2025 celebration marks major milestone in our young peoples lives

I had the great pleasure of hosting the inaugural Class of 2025 celebration in the Armidale Mall. It was a joyful and inspiring occasion, bringing together students, families, educators, and community members to honour the achievements of our graduating class.

This event marked a new tradition for Armidale, one that recognises the hard work, resilience, and aspirations of our young people as they prepare to take their next steps into adulthood. The energy in the mall was electric, filled with music, laughter, and pride. It was a moment to reflect on how far these students have come and to celebrate the bright futures ahead of them.

To the Class of 2025: you are the future of Armidale. We are proud of you, and we stand beside you as you chase your dreams. Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration a success. I look forward to seeing this tradition grow in the years to come.

October update on the Armidale Creeklands Restoration Project

Many of you will have seen the significant clearing of vegetation along Dumaresq Creek behind the Monckton Aquatic Centre. It’s exciting to see this area being transformed over the coming months. Construction began in August and is progressing smoothly. Wallace Construction has completed site establishment, and works are now focused on clearing vegetation, stabilising the creek banks, and preparing the site for new infrastructure. This includes picnic shelters, a shared path with solar lighting, interpretative and Aboriginal places signage, a new pedestrian crossing, and the reconstruction of the Spanish arch wall. An exercise station is also being installed at Harris Park.

Accessible, safe open spaces like the Armidale Creeklands are vital to the health and vibrancy of our community. They offer a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature, enjoy recreation, and gather with others. These spaces promote physical and mental wellbeing, foster social inclusion, and enhance the liveability of our city. By investing in the Creeklands, we’re not just improving infrastructure we’re strengthening the heart of Armidale.

Creative boost for local economy

The Creative Streets Festival kicks off on Friday 17 October, marking the beginning of a vibrant new series of free community events for the Armidale region.

Armidale’s CBD is set to come alive with a bold celebration of art, music, ideas, and community spirit. These events, including the Big Chill, Autumn Festival, and annual Christmas celebrations, play a vital role in supporting our local economy. They attract visitors, increase foot traffic in our town centres, and provide a welcome boost to local businesses, especially in hospitality, retail, and accommodation.

The economic impact is significant. Last year’s sold-out Big Chill Festival generated an impressive $3.6 million in total economic benefit, including $2.3 million in direct visitor spending. The 2025 Autumn Festival drew over 8,000 people into the heart of Armidale.

Council remains committed to investing in initiatives that bring people together and create opportunities for growth. I encourage residents and visitors alike to get involved, support local operators, and enjoy everything our region has to offer.

See you at the Creative Streets Festival 2025!

Recognising our quiet achievers - Australia Day awards 2026

Every community has its quiet achievers. Those who give their time, energy, and heart to make life better for others. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the people who make our community stronger, more vibrant, and more connected.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, and this is your opportunity to shine a light on those who often work behind the scenes. Whether it’s a tireless volunteer, an inspiring young leader, or a community group making a real difference, these awards celebrate excellence across education, health, sport, the arts, the environment, and community service.

Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen/Elder of the Year, Community Service Award, Environmental Citizen of the Year, Sports Person of the Year, and more.

Let’s ensure the contributions of our unsung heroes don’t go unnoticed. If you know someone who deserves recognition, now’s the time to nominate them.

Together, we can honour those who help shape the heart of our region.

Celebrating Armidale's business excellence

It was a privilege to attend the NSW Businesst Awards (New England North West) Gala Night during September, held right here in Armidale. My sincere thanks to Business NSW for hosting such a well-organised and enjoyable evening, and for giving us the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our local business community.

The night was a powerful reminder of the innovation, resilience, and leadership that thrives in our region. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, especially those representing Armidale with distinction.

🏆 The Alternate Root took home two major awards – Outstanding Business Leader (21 Employees and Over) and Excellence in Sustainability. Their commitment to leadership and environmental responsibility is truly inspiring.
🏆 Costa Group was recognised for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, highlighting their dedication to creating inclusive workplaces that reflect the strength of our community.
🏆 Focus on Function earned the award for Excellence in Small Business, a testament to their hard work, creativity, and customer focus.

These awards showcase the calibre of businesses we have in Armidale. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the people behind them, who are helping shape a vibrant and prosperous future for our region.

Council grants support community

I was pleased to see the number and depth of community and village projects funded via the latest round of council grants.

Council's Community and Village Grants Programs empower local groups to continue the good work they do, contributing to building stronger, more connected communities.

Sixteen community groups and organisations have shared in $50,000 funding in the latest round of the Community Grants Program, and two village projects have received support via the first round of Village Grants funding.

Museums' access and amenities upgrades underway

I'm excited to see work underway at Armidale Folk Museum! The long awaited project will restore the Rusden Street entrance creating an accessible entrance, and will add a kitchen and accessible toilets amongst other important improvements.

The museum team has ensured that precious collection items are safely in storage.

For more about the access and amenities upgrades at Armidale Folk Museum and Hillgrove Museum, check the works and projects page on council's website

Ask Us Anything! Change of Date

A last minute change to my schedule has meant I've had to bring forward the previously advertised date of the next Ask Us Anything session to Tuesday 7 October.

Cr Paul Gaddes and I will be at:

• Seesaw, Armidale 
• 8:00am – 9:30am, Tuesday 7 October 2025

Later in the month Cr Eli Imad and I will be at:

• Guyra (venue to be determined)
• 8:00am – 9:30am, Wednesday 22 October 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.