Projects, news and current events  |  24 November 2025

Historic Saumarez Homestead welcomes a new era

Council is proud to announce the official completion of the Saumarez Homestead redevelopment project, a significant milestone in enhancing one of the region’s most iconic heritage and tourist destinations.

The redevelopment, funded through Infrastructure NSW via Restart NSW, aimed to transform Saumarez Homestead into a premier visitor experience. The project delivered new accommodation, a function and educational centre, upgraded retail and catering facilities, visitor information services, conservation management works, upgraded road, and associated infrastructure.

Kathryn Pitkin AM President National Trust said “The project honours what the National Trust has been gifted, to protect the land and bring to life the layered stories, and the legacy that Saumarez represents to the Armidale Region.

“It ensures that Saumarez is not frozen in time, but alive, evolving, and welcomes all, now and into the future.”

Further progress made on Kempsey-Armidale Road (K2A) restoration

Further progress is being made on the restoration of K2A to pre-disaster condition with the calling of Request for Tenders for the project.

The Request for Tenders for the design and construct project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, has been sent to the short-listed applicants from the Expression of Interest process who were announced in July 2025.

The shortlisted applicants from the Expression of Interest process, in no particular order, are:

• Bielby
• CMC McIlwain Joint Venture
• Seymore Whyte SEE Civil Joint Venture
   

Stronger connections - Council delivers trio of bridge upgrades

Armidale Regional Council has completed construction on three new bridges - Kaurala Bridge, Two-Mile Creek Bridge, and Boundary Creek Bridge - delivering safer and more reliable infrastructure for rural communities and freight operators.

The upgrades are part of Council’s broader Bridge Renewal Strategy, which aims to replace ageing timber bridges with modern concrete structures that meet current safety and load standards.

The Jingle Express is back!

Get ready to hop aboard the Jingle Express this Christmas as it makes its way through Christmas in the Mall and the Guyra Christmas Carnival.

Both events will be sparkling with lights and festive cheer, and now you can enjoy it all from the comfort of a fun train ride! Perfect for kids, families, and anyone who loves a bit of Christmas magic.

See you there!

Open Air Gallery brings local art to light in East Mall

Armidale Regional Council, in partnership with the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM), is excited to announce the launch of the Open Air Gallery, located in the heart of the East Mall.

This innovative public art initiative transforms the city centre with a curated selection of artworks displayed in illuminated light boxes, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the gallery both during the day and at night.

Featuring works from local and regional artists, the Open Air Gallery will rotate exhibitions regularly, showcasing Armidale’s rich artistic excellence and unique local stories in a vibrant, accessible outdoor setting.

Guyra shared path - New England Highway

We’re planning the detailed design of a 3-metre-wide shared path along the New England Highway, stretching 2.7 km from Cameron Street to Tenterden Street in Guyra.

This project is a keystone for future shared path networks across the Guyra region, creating safer, more connected spaces for walking and cycling.

Your input is vital! Complete our online survey now to share your ideas for a shared footpath in Guyra.

Council's free Wi-Fi network available in more public places

Armidale Regional Council’s free Wi-Fi network has been extended to include Curtis Park, ensuring people are able to access Wi-Fi in more places across Armidale’s CBD.

ARC Free was established nine years ago and for that time has been available to the public in Armidale Mall and Armidale War Memorial Library. Council also provides free Wi-Fi at Armidale Regional Airport.

“The extension of ARC Free to Curtis Park benefits our community and visitors alike,” said Mayor Sam Coupland.

“Families enjoying Curtis Park Playground or taking a break in the picnic areas will be able to access Wi-Fi. This might be one way to stay up to date with the cricket score while the kids play nearby!”

The access points in Curtis Park mean there is good signal from the Visitor Information Centre to the creek and across to Faulkner St.

Mowing update - thank you for your patience

TeamARC is currently experiencing resourcing pressures and equipment delays, which have impacted our regular mowing schedule.

We're working hard to catch up and prioritise high-use areas first. Your understanding and patience mean a lot as we navigate these challenges and continue to maintain our beautiful region.

If you see an area that needs urgent attention, please let us know via our website.

Have your say - Proposed new community garden and food hub

Feedback on the proposed new community garden and food hub closes this week!

Make sure to have your say and let us know your thoughts on the proposed plan!

Council welcomes Premier to BackTrack and Armidale

When NSW Premier Chris Minns was in Armidale recently to tour the BackTrack depot and meet with the team, Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood was very pleased to attend.

BackTrack was established almost two decades ago and has been recognised at local, state and national levels for its positive impact on young people needing support and their community.

According to the Deputy Mayor, Council has been a long-time BackTrack supporter and collaborator. In the height of what was described in the media as a youth crime spree over Christmas 2024, Deputy Mayor Redwood spoke with BackTrack Founder and Director Bernie Shakeshaft.

Rainwater Tank Rebate

Water security is a top priority for our region. With the risk of drought on the rise, we’re helping our community stay resilient, even during wetter periods, because securing our water’s future requires consistent year-round action. 

Residents of the Armidale Region can apply for a rainwater tank rebate for new water tanks.

• $250 for tanks between 2,000 and 10,000 litres
• $500 for tanks over 10,000 litres

But hurry, funding is limited!

Free grant writing workshop helping local groups and organisations

By supporting the many wonderful groups and organisations in our region to deliver their community projects and initiatives, we are taking a step towards a stronger region.

Council provides support in a variety of ways, and last month's free grant writing workshop highlighted the potential that a little support might achieve!

The workshop, led by Unearthed Prosperity, aimed at strengthening local initiatives and building funding confidence. Attendees discussed the essentials of the grant writing process and looked at real-world opportunities. They also benefited from the great chance to connect with each other and representatives from funding bodies. There are some great projects coming up!

Council also offers grant funding for community projects. Community Small Grants, Community Support Grants and Armidale Regional Village Grants provide financial support for community projects and initiatives that require modest funding to meet local needs and support the community.

Armidale Biodiversity Strategy - Community Survey

Armidale Regional Council is developing a Biodiversity Strategy to protect and enhance biodiversity across the local government area (Armidale, Guyra, Ben Lommond, Black Mountain, Ebor, Hillgrove and Wollomombi) while our towns and communities grow. Biodiversity is the variety of plants, animals and ecosystems and it provides us with many benefits. It supports clean air and water, helps control pests and diseases, stores carbon, and contributes to our health, wellbeing and the local character.

We want to hear from the people that live and work here so that we can harness local knowledge and values to make the Strategy useful and effective. Your answers will help us understand:

• what natural places in the local government area you value most
• which biodiversity issues and threats matter most to the community
• what practical actions and programs the community would like Council to prioritise.
   

Nominate a local legend!

The Australia Day Awards in Armidale are proudly presented by Armidale Regional Council and administered by the Mayor, Sam Coupland. In Guyra the Australia Day Awards are managed by the Guyra Australia Day Committee.

The Awards in both Armidale and Guyra acknowledge the unsung heroes of our community who through their contributions make our region a better place.

These individuals and organisations make an outstanding contribution in community service, contributing to our community's advancement and well-being.

Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open!

Tell us what you loved about the Creative Streets Festival 2025!

We hope you had an amazing time at the Creative Streets Festival 2025! Now, we’d love to hear from you.

Take a few minutes to fill out our survey and let us know:

• What were your favourite moments?
• Which performances, installations or experiences stood out?
• What could make next year’s festival even better?

Your feedback helps us grow, improve, and make the Creative Streets Festival 2026 even better!

Are you feeling creative and festive?

Guyra Library is hosting Christmas Craft and Cardmaking workshop!

Christmas Craft and Cardmaking at Guyra Library:

• Saturday 6 December - 10am to 1pm

FREE! All ages welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Bookings essential. Contact Guyra Library for more and registrations on 6770 7123

Entries Now Open for the 2026 Autumn Festival Parade!

It’s that time of year again! We’re calling on schools, community groups, businesses, performers, and creative locals to be part of the 2026 Autumn Festival Parade.

Whether you’ve got a float idea, a marching band, a dance crew, or just a great costume, we want you in the parade. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate our community, showcase local talent, and bring colour and energy to the streets of Armidale

Approved development applications | October 2025

Take a look at the development applications apporved in October 2025.

310 Beardy Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Alterations and Additions to Existing Dwelling

178 Andersons Road CASTLE DOYLE NSW 2350 - Change the existing laundry into an ensuite for the master bedroom and to relocate the laundry.

89 Martin Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Change Screen Room (Alfresco) into Glass Room

91 Arundel Drive ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Alterations and Additions to dwelling, Carport and Patio

15 Dale Crescent ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Construction of a Retaining Wall

12 Spring Camp Road ENMORE NSW 2350 - Two lot subdivision

165 Allingham Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Renovation of existing bathroom, demolition of existing rear patio and roof over, construction of new rear patio and roof over.

37 Taylor Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Alterations and Additions to a Dwelling house and the erection of a detached outbuilding shed.

301 Kellys Plains Road ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Conversion of Existing Shed into a Single-Storey Dwelling

182 Dangar Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Installation of cement piers, construction of a garage

106-114 Kentucky Street ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - One day community festival involving entertainment on 2 stages, market stalls, food and drink stalls and activities. Up to 3000 total attendees during the day. Set up from 7am. Pack up to 11pm. Festival hours 10am to 10pm.

55 Kurrawatha Avenue ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Boundary adjustment involving Lot 1 in DP 1237156, Lot 1 in DP 608020, Lot 13 in DP 112693 and Lot 674 in DP 7558082

77 Arundel Drive ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Construction of a cement slab, erection of a prefabricated shed kit

12 Colin Crescent ARMIDALE NSW 2350 - Centre-based Childcare Facility - 113 spaces (modification)

Quota Christmas Tree and Wreath Decorating Event

The festive season is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by showcasing your creativity in the Quota Christmas Tree & Wreath Decorating Event at Armidale Mall on Thursday, 4 December 2025.

Entry is completely free for both trees and wreaths. If you’d like to sell your wreath on the night, you’ll receive half the sale price, with the other half supporting Quota’s community initiatives.

How to Enter:

• Download and complete the entry form.
• Email your details to armidalequota@gmail.com by Monday, 1 December.
• Deliver your tree or wreath to the Armidale Mall between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm on event day.
• Trees and wreaths will be displayed from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm, with collection after 8:00 pm.

Important Guidelines:

• Trees must fit into a 90cm square area and can be floor or table displays.
• Wreaths will be hung on hooks.
• Battery-operated lights only, please.

Visitors can vote for their favourite display in the People’s Choice Award by purchasing $1 voting tickets during the event. It’s a fun way to support creativity and community spirit!

Council Meetings

The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 26 November 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.