17 December, 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!
A Christmas message
As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible growth and prosperity we’ve experienced across the Armidale region. 2025 has been a year of progress, collaboration, and celebration, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.
Our region has continued to thrive, with new opportunities for business and community development strengthening our position as a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and visit. The events we’ve hosted throughout the year have been nothing short of outstanding - bringing people together, showcasing our unique culture, and attracting visitors from far and wide. These celebrations have not only put Armidale on the map but have highlighted the spirit and resilience that define our community.
As we look ahead to 2026, let’s carry forward this momentum and continue building a region that offers opportunity, connection, and a wonderful quality of life for all. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this year so successful - your passion and commitment are what make Armidale truly special.
In light of the recent tragedy at Bondi Beach, this time of year reminds us how important it is to cherish our loved ones, stand united in compassion, and foster kindness and solidarity throughout our region and beyond.
On behalf of Council, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Sam Coupland
Mayor, Armidale Regional Council
Sydney conferences and meetings
At the end of November I accompanied Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood along with Councillors Kay Endres, Rob Taber and Eli Imad to the Local Government NSW annual conference in Penrith. As a larger council in regional NSW, Armidale has comparatively high voting rights which means our voice has bearing on the motions at the conference which is important particularly where they relate to regional issues.
For all of us, there was significant benefit in meeting with councillors from throughout the regions to compare notes and better understand how they are dealing with similar challenges to us. Key topics of discussion were changes to planning laws and the rollout of the energy transition.
Also in November I was in Sydney to Chair the Coalition of Renewable Energy Mayors (CoREM) forum and attend as a board member of the NSW Country Mayors Associaton. CoREM continues to make headway and influence the State Government where appropriate as our regions are hosting significant transmission and generation projects. The CoREM website is now up and running:
Catchup with the NSW Treasurer and CEO of EnergyCo
In mid November Uralla Shire Council arranged for a meeting for the Mayors and General Managers of Walcha, Armidale and Uralla with the CEO of EnergyCo, Hannah McCaughey. Discussions ranged across the impact of the renewable energy rollout, the impact this will have on our communities and what steps the government will take to mitigate them. Key topics were water security, worker accommodation, waste and leaving a lasting legacy in terms of infrastructure and amenity.
EnergyCo this week released their much anticipated cumulative impact studies for the New England Renewable Energy Zone which can be found here:
Coffee with NSW Treasurer
I was fortunate to grab a quick coffee at Goldfish Bowl with the Treasurer, Daniel Moohkey, last week. As it was an informal chat, we were able to be quite wide ranging in our discussions. He appreciates the position our region is in with the need for enabling infrastructure to be state funded if the Renewable Energy Zone is to come to fruition as the government plans. We will wait and see!
Country Mayors Association AGM
I was pleased to champion the Armidale region at State and Federal levels last month when I travelled to Sydney with Acting GM Darren Schaefer.
We were pleased to reconnect with, and advocate alongside, Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) colleagues, participating in an intensive workshop then attending a reception hosted by NSW Governor Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC.
We were then at Parliament House for the CMA's Annual General Meeting. NSW Premier the Hon Chris Minns MP, Opposition Leader Mr Mark Speakman MP and Federal Shadow Local Government Minister Dr. Anne Webster were guest speakers, and I took the chance to ask questions.
I am committed to ensuring State and Federal support for water security remains a critical item on the Regional Cities agenda, along with housing and competition in aviation.
Celebrating our region's students
I was privileged to attend the Celebrations of Learning / Presentation Days at Armidale Secondary College, O’Connor Catholic College, St Mary's Primary School and Kelly's Plains Public School. It was wonderful to be able to recognise those students who have excelled, whether it was through academic ability, sporting prowess, artistic flair or just downright decency and enhancing the sense of community within the school!
Council was represented at other schools' events by Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood (O’Connor Catholic College, New England Girls school, St Mary's Primary School, Black Mountain Public School), Cr Eli Y Imad (Bald Blair Public School, Ben Lomond Public School, St Mary of the Angels Primary School, Guyra Central School), Cr Kay Endres (Martin’s Gully Public School), Cr Susan McMichael (Armidale City Public School), and Cr Rob Taber (Kelly’s Plains Public School).
I am proud to celebrate our region's young people, and grateful for the chance to participate in end of year events. Well done to everyone who has been pursuing their studies through 2025. The future is looking bright!
Armidale welcomes the U13s NSW Cricket Championships
This week, Armidale is proud to host the U13s NSW Cricket Championships, bringing together eight talented teams from across New South Wales for four days of exciting competition. With a total of 20 games scheduled across our city, young cricketers will showcase their skills at venues including our premier sporting facility, the Armidale Sportsground, as well as Harris Park, Lambert Park, and Rologas fields.
It’s fantastic to see Armidale’s outstanding facilities in use for a state-level event, reflecting our region’s commitment to supporting youth sport and community engagement. We’re delighted to welcome players, families, and supporters from all corners of NSW, and we hope everyone enjoys their time in Armidale, on and off the field.
Best of luck to all competitors!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Armidale and Guyra!
This year, our region offers two fantastic opportunities to welcome 2026 in style. In Armidale, join us at Rologas Sports Field on Wednesday, 31 December, for a spectacular fireworks display starting at 9:00 PM. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a vibrant evening under the stars as we celebrate the night together.
Earlier in the evening, Guyra will host its third annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Guyra Sport and Recreation Field from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. This free, family-friendly event features live music from local band Rough Justice, face painting for the kids, and a variety of food vendors in a relaxed, picnic-style setting. The festivities will conclude with a stunning fireworks display to mark the start of the new year.
Both events promise unforgettable experiences for all ages, so gather your friends and family and join us as we light up the skies and celebrate the arrival of 2026 together!
Nominate now for the 2026 Australia Day awards
One of the true highlights of my year is presenting the Australia Day Awards and celebrating the remarkable individuals whose efforts make our community a place of pride and inspiration.
Every community has its quiet achievers, the volunteers, leaders and groups who make life better for others, and now is your chance to celebrate them by nominating someone you know for our 2026 Australia Day Awards.
We’re calling for nominations right across the region to recognise outstanding contributions, from inspiring young citizens to tireless community groups whose efforts strengthen our towns and villages.
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, and Community Group/Event of the Year
The community 'asked us anything' in 2025. Looking forward to 2026!
Through 2025, I have loved the chance to catch up with people at our regular 'Ask us anything' sessions. The scheduled catchup opportunities alongside other councillors at cafes around the region, are just one way to connect and stay informed.
These sessions are all about keeping things open and easy, and have been a great way to connect with people. I am looking forward to continuing the catchups in 2026!
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.
