Projects, news and current events  | 9 February 2026

Dam levels dropping as hot, dry weather continues

Armidale Region’s water storages are beginning to show the impact of ongoing hot temperatures and minimal rainfall, and the community is being urged to stay alert as Level 1 Water Restrictions may soon be triggered.

Recent weather data shows prolonged dry conditions across the Northern Tablelands, with 0.0 mm of rainfall recorded in Armidale in the 24 hours to 9am on 4 February 2026, and only 11.4 mm total rainfall for the month so far, well below the February average.

These warm, dry conditions increase evaporation rates and reduce catchment inflows, causing overall dam levels to trend downward. At the same time, increased water consumption places additional strain on already declining dam levels.

Quiet achievers take centre stage at Australia Day Awards

Armidale’s community spirit shone brightly at Dumaresq Dam on Monday, January 26 as local residents gathered for the 2026 Australia Day Award presentations.

Armidale Regional Council (ARC) Mayor Sam Coupland proudly recognised the extraordinary individuals who contribute so much to the wellbeing, resilience, and vibrancy of the Armidale region.

Congratulations to all our award winners for 2026!

Powerhouse lineup set for Big Chill Festival 2026 

Armidale Regional Council’s Big Chill Festival has once again attracted top-tier talent, delivering a powerhouse lineup of live music for a massive one-day event on Saturday 16 May 2026.

Now in its sixth year, the thriving boutique community festival continues to punch above its weight, attracting major acts to the region while remaining true to its roots as a local celebration of music, food and culture.

Following a stellar 2025 event, the much-anticipated 2026 lineup firmly cements Armidale on the national music map. The iconic Australian electronic heavyweights The Presets are confirmed as headliners for the event. Renowned for their high-energy live shows and genre-defining anthems for more than two decades, The Presets are one of Australia’s most influential electronic acts with chart-topping albums and Triple Platinum sales.

Joining The Presets in the highly anticipated lineup are The Jungle Giants, Meg Mac, Sneaky Sound System, Mia Wray, Pierce Brother, Jess Ribeiro, Al Heeney Rhythm & Blues Band and No Cigar - an international first for the Big Chill Festival.

$1000 prize up for grabs at this year's Autumn Festival

ith Autumn Festival 2026 just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to secure your spot in this year’s Autumn Festival Parade!

Last year’s parade featured more than 60 floats, and this year we’re stepping it up with a $1,000 prize for the best autumn‑themed float.

Whether you’re a business, community group, school, local organisation, or simply someone who loves celebrating autumn in Armidale, we’d love to see you in the parade.

Submit your application today and be part of one of Armidale’s biggest community celebrations!

Mayor's Welcome to the City 2026

The inaugural Mayor’s Welcome to the City is a welcome to the Armidale region for new students to UNE for the colleges and town.

This civic ceremony will celebrate Armidale as a university city and provides new students with an introduction to local businesses, services and community connections.

All welcome to attend. Thursday 19 February from 9.45am at the Armidale Mall stage.

Meet Alex Barlin 

Meet Alex Barlin – a lifelong Armidale local and passionate cricketer who’s turning his love for the game into something bigger.

Bringing a turf wicket to life isn’t just about rolling out the pitch – it takes months of planning, hard work, and ongoing care. Alex is leading the charge, giving back to the cricket community one pitch at a time.

Discover his story and the dedication behind the scenes in the latest issue of Summit Magazine.

Australia Day at Dumaresq Dam

What an incredible Australia Day at Dumaresq Dam!

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the heat and joined us for the Australia Day Awards Ceremony, the Citizenship Ceremony, and the Beach Party. Your energy, pride, and community spirit made the day truly special.

Congratulations to our award recipients for their outstanding contributions, and a warm welcome to our newest Australian citizens, we’re so proud to share this moment with you.

From heartfelt celebrations to fun by the water, it was a day that showcased the very best of our community. Thanks for making it unforgettable.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the community groups, volunteers and individuals that came along on the day to support the event in very hot conditions:

• 2nd Armidale Scout Group
• Armidale Rowing Club
• NSW SES Armidale Unit
• Armidale Dumaresq Lions Club
• Aunty Sharon Cutmore
• Elder Steve Widders
• Uncle Bob Blair
• Elder Steve Ahoy
• Armidale Australia Day Committee
• and Team ARC

Missed the Australia Day Beach Party?

You can still catch something truly special at Dumaresq Dam

Anaiwan woman and artist Aunty Sharon Cutmore spent her Sunday from dawn until early afternoon creating a stunning piece of earth art for everyone to enjoy. Crafted from natural earth and sand, her work reflects deep connection to Country, culture, and community, and it will remain in place until the weather gently takes it back.

Aunty Sharon shared the meaning behind her design:

“The design I created for the day was about connection. It brings together all the towns and communities from across this area – big and small – to show how we are linked and united.”

If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the perfect time to head out and experience this beautiful artwork on Country.

Heritage grants now open

Armidale Regional Council with assistance from Heritage NSW is offering small grants to owners of commercial buildings within the Armidale CBD through the Local Heritage Assistance Fund. With a total of $50,000 available, this program supports conservation, restoration, reinstatement and maintenance works on heritage‑listed and contributory commercial buildings.

This grant funding is used as an incentive to assist property owners of heritage listed items or contributory heritage buildings within the Armidale CBD to undertake positive work on heritage buildings.

Stall and float applications are open for the 2026 Autumn Festival!

Stall and float applications are now open for the 2026 Autumn Festival!

Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
Location: Civic Park, Armidale

We’re currently busy planning an exciting lineup of Autumn-themed activities for all ages! Don’t miss out, apply now to secure your spot!

Get your gloves on!

Join us for ARC's Clean Up Australia Day!

Let’s unite to make a positive impact on our community! We’re inviting volunteers to come together, roll up their sleeves, and help keep our beautiful region clean and thriving. Your small actions can make a big difference!

📅 Date: Sunday 1 March 2026
🕒Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
📍Location: Civic Park, Armidale

Work has commenced on EV chargers in Cinders Lane

Work has commenced to install two superfast electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the carpark in Cinders Lane, Armidale

The chargers will be available to the community and visitors, expanding public access to reliable, high speed EV charging infrastructure in our region.

Please note, parking in the Cinders Lane Carpark will be impacted for a brief time between 2 and 10 February.

Council Meetings

The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 18 February 2026 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.