Projects, news and current events | 13 May 2025
University of New England joins forces with Big Chill 2025
The Big Chill Festival returns for its fifth year with more energy, flavour, and fire than ever and this year, it's backed by a powerhouse local partner, The University of New England (UNE).
UNE has signed-on as major sponsor for the 2025 Big Chill event, marking a bold step forward in celebrating and supporting regional arts, music, and community spirit.
Now entering its biggest year yet, the Big Chill Festival will take place on Saturday 17 May at the Armidale Showground. With UNE on board as major sponsor, the festival is set to deliver an even richer experience, spotlighting live music, local food, arts, and the winter magic of the Armidale region.
Big Chill Festival 2025 kicks off with free launch party!
The countdown to the Armidale region’s chilliest music festival has officially begun and to kick off festivities, the Big Chill Festival is throwing an unmissable free launch party at the Armidale Showground on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Live music, local food and brews, and a vibe that just won’t quit is what you can expect at this free event. The pre-festival warm up is bringing high-energy performances and infectious indie-pop anthems, headlined by Marvell bringing its signature sound to the Big Chill stage.
Don’t miss out on another unforgettable Big Chill experience and join in on the free festivities at Armidale Showground from 4pm to 8pm. Bring your friends, family, and all your good vibes. Numbers are limited so make sure you’re there early with bells on!
New superfast EV chargers to power-up Armidale
Armidale is set to welcome two new Superfast Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers in the Cinders Lane car park - behind the Armidale Regional Council’s Civic Administration Building - making it easier than ever for locals and visitors to power up and get moving.
The installation of the new chargers aligns with ARC’s commitment to sustainability, is a step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supports long-term environmental goals. The two 150kW Ocular high-capacity DC fast chargers can accommodate up to four vehicles simultaneously.
Aligning with several key council plans, including EcoARC, the Community Strategic Plan, Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), and the Brilliant Regions Strategy, the new chargers will help with the adoption of cleaner, more efficient modes of travel.
Local groups awarded community grant funding
Twenty local groups - including an arts group, a community pre-school, a cricket club, and the Country Women’s Association - have received funding in the latest round of Armidale Regional Council’s (ARC) Community Grants Program.
ARC’s Community Grants Program supports groups and services within our local government area to address identified community needs, while promoting social inclusion and community connections.
The latest grant rounds closed on 16 March 2025 and 40 applications, with a total requested amount of $157,785 were received. This is the second grant round of the 24-25 financial year, and the funding available for distribution was $52,000.
Pre 1931 Armidale Autumn Tour
If you noticed some mighty fine vintage vehicles rolling round Armidale last week, you can thank the Classic and Specialist Car Club of Armidale (CSCCA) who hosted the Pre 1931 Autumn Tour for the first time in our region. 120 cars made the trip and it was a real treat to see these vehicles with their owners out and about enjoying our region and the autumn colours.
A huge thanks to the CSCCA team it was a lot of hard work with many members on-hand to help. Events like this put our region on the map and showcase the Armidale region as an event destination. By all accounts it was a busy weekend generating good economic activity.
Miller Street | Project Update
Tree removal along Miller Street is now complete, and our team is currently focused on constructing subsoil drainage as well as the kerb and gutter on the eastern side of the street.
While we aim to complete the project by mid-June, this timeline is dependent on weather conditions and may be subject to change.
While driving in the area, please be aware of changed traffic conditions as work is commencing.
The Miller Street upgrade is funded by the Special Rate Variation. (SRV)
Autumn school holiday program delivers fun and learning
Children and young people from across the region were able to access a range of experiences during the April school holidays. Armidale Regional Council delivered events and activities during the holiday break, which included NSW Youth Week 2025.
In partnership with community organisations, council’s community services team coordinated a program of activities for Youth Week that included: an outdoor games program in collaboration with NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS); ‘Armidale Youth Got Talent’ showcase and competition alongside Multicultural Youth Consultative Committee, Mosaic Multicultural Connections; and ‘Proppa Loud’, a high-energy, all-ages event featuring well-known artists and delivered by Mad Proppa Deadly.
Join our team of Companion Animal Shelter volunteers!
We’re currently in need of passionate volunteers who have consistent morning and weekend availability. While we always appreciate help with our dogs, cats are our biggest priority right now. We’re looking for volunteers who can help with feeding, cleaning, playing with the animals, assisting with animal intakes, and setting up cages.
If you’re comfortable walking dogs, cleaning pens, and doing laundry, we would love your help with our wonderful pups as well! Plus, if you’re handy with tools, we could use some help with small maintenance tasks and lawn mowing.
Your time makes a world of difference to these animals, and we’re counting on you to provide the care and love they deserve.
Restoration of the Oaky River Dam
The restoration of the Oaky River Dam to a new water supply for the region is a game-changer for Armidale’s water security.
Back in 2019, the region was hit hard by drought, forcing Council, as the local water authority to introduce Level 5 water restrictions. It was looking dire for the region and Malpas Dam, Armidale’s main water source, and now the Guyra backup source, was running dangerously low with a day zero countdown and a realisation by the community and council that we were not immune to the threat of running out of water. It was a wake-up call: relying on a single and limited catchment as a source of water was no longer sustainable.
Enter the Oaky River which was identified by expert hydrologists as an additional secure water catchment and had the disused Oaky River Dam which council purchased in 2023. Originally built in 1956 for hydroelectric power, it has been out of action since 2013 due to significant damage to its dam wall. Council saw an opportunity to utilise an existing dam to secure the region’s future against worsening droughts.
Reviving Oaky River Dam isn’t just about patching up the structure. It’s a bold, multi-faceted plan to access a reliable additional water catchment:
Restoration – Fixing the dam wall so it can hold water once again
New Infrastructure – Constructing a pipeline from Oaky Dam to the Armidale Water treatment plant to bring online another reliable water source
Long-term water security – Ensuring residents and businesses have access to a reliable water source, even in the face of climate change
Of course, it’s an ambitious project, water resilience for generations to come. A more attractive region for new residents and businesses. Even the potential to revive hydropower capabilities.
This project isn’t just about filling a dam—it’s about securing a brighter future for our region. It will bring economic benefits by creating jobs and supporting industries, including key state developments like the New England Renewable Energy Zone.
By choosing to restore an existing structure rather than build a new one, the council is taking a smart approach: minimising the environmental impact while addressing a critical issue.
In short, the Oaky River Dam restoration isn’t just about securing water—it’s about securing the future.
Guyra Residents: Last Call to Save with a 140L Red-Lid Bin!
Are you still using a 240L red-lid bin? Now is the perfect time to consider reducing waste with a smaller 140L bin. Not only will this change help you save money, but it will also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community.
Why Choose a Smaller Bin?
- Cost Savings: A smaller bin is space-saving and easier to manage, and will also reduce your annual waste charges by $155.00 (based on the current financial year).
- Environmental Impact: A smaller bin encourages better waste management practices, such as recycling and composting, which can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Community
Benefits: The smaller bins used by 97% of Armidale and Guyra residents, leads to a collective reduction in waste, benefiting the entire community and the environment.
Application Deadline: The last day to apply for a smaller bin in the 26/27 financial year is 30 May 2025. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a positive change!
How to Apply: It's easy to apply for a bin downgrade. Simply click the link below!
What is woodsmoke?
Wood smoke is produced from burning solid fuel in a wood heater or open fireplace. Wood is a natural material, but when it’s burned, it produces harmful particle pollution and noxious gases, which go deep into the lungs.
Over the next few months, we will providing helpful bits of information on woodsmoke in our region!
Make the swith to better heating options
Join the ‘Making the Switch’ study and receive up to $3,000 to replace your wood heater with a reverse cycle air conditioner. You’ll also receive a free energy efficiency audit of your home.
National Simultaneous Storytime 2025 at Guyra Library
Join us on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Council Chambers, Guyra Civic Administration Building for National Simultaneous Storytime. Arrival is from 11:45 AM, with a special book reading by Councillor Susan McMichael at 12 noon. All ages are welcome! Bookings are essential. Visit the library or call 6760 3636 to reserve your spot.
Armidale CRC Update
Armidale CRC is now accepting all allowable items during normal operating hours. You can now dispose of paint, household and car batteries, motor and other oils, smoke detectors, fluoro globes, gas bottles, fire extinguishers and X-rays films at the Armidale CRC. Limit is up to 20L or 20kg.
Paper and cardboard collection
Armidale Regional Council understands the importance of keeping your recycling routine uninterrupted. That's why we ensure that our scheduled paper and cardboard collections happen, rain or shine. Please remember to put paper and cardboard in one crate (with a lid) and use the other crate (without a lid) for recyclable containers. So, even if the weather isn't cooperating, you can count on the council's garbage collectors to be there, helping you keep your recycling efforts on track.
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
Draft Operational Plan and Budget for 2025 - 2026 | Closes 22 May
Draft Liquid Trade Waste Policy | Closes 28 May
Armidale Arboretum - Plan of Management | Closes 19 June
Current vacancies
Development Planner | Closes 18 May
Facilities Caretaker | Closes 18 May
WHS Officer | Closes 18 May
Team Leader - Urban Maintenance | Closes 18 May
RMCC & Regional Roads Coordinator | Closes 18 May
Council Meetings
The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 28 May 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.
