Projects, news and current events | 7 July 2025
Big Chill, Big Impact: How festivals enhance regional economies
The Big Chill Festival has once again proven that regional events are more than just a good time, they’re a powerful force for economic growth and long-term resilience in communities like the Armidale Region.
This year’s sold-out festival delivered a staggering $3.6 million in total economic benefit, including $2.3 million in direct visitor expenditure. With a 47 percent increase in ticket sales from the previous year and a sold-out weekend that drew more than 5,000 attendees, the numbers speak volumes — but they only tell part of the story.
At the heart of this success is ARC’s annual investment into the festival of $350,000, which acted as a catalyst for growth. That contribution generated a tenfold return into the community, amplifying the festival’s impact far beyond the event itself.
Curtis Park Playground expansion opens to the community
Armidale Regional Council (ARC) gathered with community members, including an enthusiastic group of young park users, to celebrate the opening of the expanded and upgraded Curtis Park Playground.
The Curtis Park Playground expansion and upgrade was designed and delivered based on extensive community feedback, and thanks to funding from the Australian Government via a Local Roads Community Infrastructure grant. It was then able to proceed ahead of schedule after council endorsed a financial contribution that boosted the project’s budget.
The original Adventure Playground at Curtis Park opened in 2020 and has been widely used by families throughout the community. However, since it opened Council received feedback that the area should be fully fenced and that there is not enough play equipment to suit all age ranges and abilities.
Albion Park Bridge re-opens
The Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge has officially reopened to the public, following a major reconstruction project that honours the heritage and community significance of the original structure.
Closed since early 2023 due to extensive flood damage and termite infestation, the much-loved timber suspension bridge has been reimagined and rebuilt with support from the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland welcomed the reopening, stating: "Community feedback after the bridge’s closing demonstrated its importance to many, and we are glad that people can once again cross Dumaresq Creek via the footbridge behind the pool!”
Winter school holiday program offers fun and learning
Children across the Armidale region are set for a winter break filled with creativity, curiosity, and community, thanks to a fun school holiday program led by Armidale Regional Libraries.
Starting Monday 7 July, both Armidale and Guyra Libraries will begin a diverse lineup of activities designed to engage children of all ages. From arts and crafts to LEGO building, science experiments to songwriting, and even computer programming and virtual reality experiences — there’s something for every young mind.
NEREZ and the Armidale Region: Opportunity meets urgency
The New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ) is set to transform the Armidale Region into a renewable energy powerhouse, with 8 gigawatts of generation capacity and $24 billion in private investment. But while the economic opportunity is immense, the most urgent challenge is clear: water.
Armidale is expected to become a central hub within NEREZ, supporting over 1,100 new jobs and welcoming around 2,300 new residents. This growth will place unprecedented pressure on local infrastructure — and water is already in short supply.
Delivery freight policy reform in New South Wales
The Freight Reform Advisory Panel’s final paper, Delivering Freight Policy Reform in New South Wales, has been officially endorsed by the NSW Government and is now available on the Freight Policy Reform Program website.
The Final Report outlines a roadmap for reform, detailing short, medium, and long-term actions to strengthen freight policy across the state.
As a direct result of Regional Cities NSW's advocacy, the Final Report includes a short-term recommendation to investigate the opportunities identified in the Regional Cities NSW Pinch Points Business Case and how they can be applied more broadly across the NSW freight network.
Importantly, the Advisory Panel included General Manager of Armidale Regional Council, James Roncon, ensuring regional perspectives were considered throughout the process.
Armidale Folk Museum embraces innovation to share local history
Armidale Folk Museum has unveiled a suite of new digital assets that will be used to create and enhance interactive exhibits, transforming the way local history is preserved and shared with the community.
At a special launch event, community members, museum stakeholders, and representatives from Armidale Regional Council had the chance to use the equipment and explore interactive displays.
The upgrades were made possible through a Creative Capital NSW Grant, awarded to Armidale Regional Council to support the revitalisation of the museum’s facilities and displays.
Armidale region is preparing to celebrate National NAIDOC Week
Armidale region is preparing to celebrate National NAIDOC Week 2025 from 6–13 July, with a vibrant calendar of events that highlight the strength of community collaboration and the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Check out the full calendar — and contact Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place for more details on 6771 3606
Street tree replanting continues in Jessie Street Armidale
We're proud to continue our commitment to growing a greener Armidale with the recent planting of six new trees along Jessie Street.
These Acer rubrum 'October Glory' maples are known for their stunning red foliage and will begin leafing out in early spring — just in time to become a seasonal highlight for autumn leaf peepers in 2026!
A big thank you to local contractor Sustainable Plant Design for supporting our replanting program and helping us strengthen our urban canopy!
Miller Street Project Update
Kerb and gutter works are now complete on the eastern side. Driveway access has now reopened. Next up: we’re moving to the western (Fantastic Furniture) side.
Thanks to residents and businesses for your patience - rear access via Roper Ave remains available. We’ll repair any surface damage once weather allows.
👷♂️ Western works will be staged to minimise disruption, with signage and vehicle paths for customer access.
🚗 Two-way traffic continues, but no on-street parking during this phase.
🎯 Target completion: end of July (weather permitting).
Welcome to Armidale, Armidale
What a proud day it was for our city! Recently, we welcomed Qantas’s newest Dash 8 Q400 aircraft — Armidale — to its namesake at Armidale Regional Airport.
Greeted with fanfare, the aircraft touched down to a warm reception from Mayor Sam Coupland and fellow councillors, celebrating this unique recognition of the city.
A flying tribute to Armidale’s spirit, connection, and place in regional Australia. Here’s to seeing Armidale soar far and wide!
Check your wood is dry by tapping it with a coin
Dry wood makes a sharp resonant sound; wet wood makes a dull sound. Freshly cut wood needs to be stored under cover in a dry, ventilated area for eight to 12 months before use. Green or unseasoned wood contains up to 70% water, which causes smoke, not heat and costs you money.
Sidewalk Astronomy | Something to talk about
Did You Know?
There are 88 official constellations that span both the northern and southern hemispheres — each with its own story written in the stars.
See for Yourself!
Join us for Sidewalk Astronomy on Saturday, 19 July at Civic Park. Enjoy a magical evening under the stars, explore the night sky, and try spotting some constellations on your own!
Say hello to the latest addition to Armidale's vibrant street art scene!
Local Aboriginal artist Nick Levy painted this stunning mural during the 2025 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony in Central Park. You can find it brightening the courtyard of the Armidale Council building.
Massive thanks to Nick and the National Australia Day Council for supporting this project through the 2025 Community Events Grant Program!
Current requests for Tender
Armidale Council are seeking a suitably experienced Contractor to undertake the Folk & Hillgrove Museum Upgrade.
Tenders are invited for the works which include plumbing/sewer upgrade, construction of disabled access and bathroom, kitchenette, electrical upgrade, remove of hazardous material, carpentry and joinery in Heritage listed buildings.
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 Reconciliation Action Plan | Closes 25 June
Current vacancies
Finance Officer | Closes 13 July
Training Systems Project Officer | Closes 13 July
ARC Casual Register | Closes 21 December
Council Meetings
The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 23 July 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.
