Mayor Sam Coupland - Armidale Regional Council

07/06/2026

A moving and inclusive ceremony at the Myall Creek Massacre Memorial Service today. A massive thank you to Friends of Myall Creek Memorial for all you do to make this event the perfect blend of solemnity and respect. Special shout out to Marc Sutherland and his troupe - well done gents.

01/06/2026

In this episode of Ramble On!, myself and our GM go behind the scenes with our first special guest of the year, Craig Betts. 📻

Craig dives into his role as Overseer North in Council’s Transport team and helps bust a few myths about how roads are managed, especially across the Guyra area.

Plus, we catch up on my recent activities, from the UNE REZ Forum in Armidale to the Big Chill Festival 2026, and a State Government visit announcing important funding to support the rollout of the NEREZ!

🔗 YouTube: https://youtu.be/oxFSe3RTHp8
🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1pcNEsdpKYN5lSqTTEInrM?si=G1f9IIx5R4ekj5KhATYJwQ

27/05/2026

May Ordinary Council Meeting wrap up 📣

23/05/2026

Pop down to Herdies on Tuesday morning and ask Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood - Armidale Regional Council and Paul Gaddes all your curly questions … if you twist their arm they will even buy you a coffee.

📣Ask us anything
If you have a burning question, a pressing issue, or would like to hear more on the latest from our region, come along to the next 'Ask us anything' session.

Join Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood and Cr Paul Gaddes for a cuppa and conversation:
▪ WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Tuesday 26 May 2026
▪ WHERE: Herdies Coffee 101 Beardy Street Armidale☕

'Ask us anything' sessions are scheduled at cafes around the region, and are just one way to connect with local leaders and stay informed about upcoming initiatives. Watch this space for upcoming opportunities!

14/05/2026

Just out at Dumaresq Dam doing a few warm up laps for the Sunday K Cold Water Community Swim this Sunday at the Armidale Monckton Aquatic Centre. 🏊‍♂️

Can’t wait to see everyone there bright and early after a massive Saturday night at the Big Chill Festival 2026!

09/05/2026

With plenty happening at council at the moment - budget, rail trail consultation, water security and more - if you have something on your mind, come and have a chat with Councillor Susan McMichael - Armidale Regional Council and me on Tuesday morning from 8am at Era Coffee. It is our shout…

📣Ask us anything
If you have a burning question, a pressing issue, or would like to hear more on the latest from our region, come along to the next 'Ask us anything' session.

Join Mayor Sam Coupland and Cr Susan McMichael for a cuppa and conversation:
▪ WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Tuesday 12 May 2026
▪ WHERE: Era Espresso Armidale☕

'Ask us anything' sessions are scheduled at cafes around the region, and are just one way to connect with local leaders and stay informed about upcoming initiatives. Watch this space for upcoming opportunities!

04/05/2026

🚲 Have your say on the proposed Rail Trail

Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed New England Rail Trail.

This is a key inflection point for our region where we either continue to muddle along and do nothing, or we grasp the nettle and make a change for the better.

If you support a safe walking and cycling trail and a tourism boost for our region, take a couple of minutes to make a submission using the link below. We’re especially keen to hear from families and young people.

👉 This is the moment to have your say: https://yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/new-england-rail-trail

29/04/2026

A big welcome to 42 new Australian citizens now calling Australia home! 🇦🇺

It’s always great to be involved in these ceremonies and welcome so many great individuals and families into our great community.

Congratulations!

25/04/2026

Welcome back to Ramble On! with myself (Yosemite Sam) and co-host Jronc, where the chat is loose, the topics are many, and nothing is ever completely off the table.

In this episode, we kick off Season 4 with a proper ramble through what’s been happening around town, inside Council, and what’s coming next.

We talk Autumn Festival, unpack the Big Chill, and dive into the Mayor's Ask Us Anything sessions. There’s also a wrap‑up of the latest Council meeting, including a look at Council funds, the Draft Operational Plan and budget, and what it all means for the community.

We run through upcoming projects like the rehabilitation of the road network, the East Mall Masterplan, Courthouse Laneway, and the Creeklands development, plus what’s happening with a brand new UNE Life X ARC partnership!

You’ll also hear updates on Level 1 water restrictions, willingness‑to‑pay consultation, the Rail Trail consultation, and a discussion on the impact of the current funding model for regional areas in NSW.

Got a question? Chuck it in the comments — nothing’s off limits (almost).

➡️ Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode.

🔗 Stream now on YouTube or Spotify

🔴 https://youtu.be/qVCETObF8Ic
⚫ https://open.spotify.com/episode/3zrloVem6uZOquoqYvS9fq?si=9jPAeeOkSzywXhBHQUc4Fg

Armidale Regional Council

24/04/2026

So uplifting to be part of a huge turnout at the Dawn Service at Central Park this morning.

The other ANZAC services today Dangarsleigh at 9am and the main service at 11am which will be proceeded by Air Force jets doing a flyover at 10:43am and the parade along Faulkner Street.