Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood - Armidale Regional Council

04/06/2026

Why anyone believes this sort of behaviour is acceptable is beyond me. So many of us have great pride in our region and the assets we create for our community, please speak up if you know who is responsible for these antisocial acts. 🛑 📢

Damage to our public spaces is not just an inconvenience, it undermines the pride we take in our open spaces and the shared places our community values.

It’s disappointing to see this kind of damage occurring across a number of parks and key pieces of infrastructure throughout our region. While we are working behind the scenes to reduce it, this behaviour has a real impact on the spaces everyone uses and enjoys.

Our Parks team is currently addressing the recent damage at Curtis Park Playground. If you notice any damage in your local area, please take a moment to report it via the council website. If you see people wilfully damaging our park equipment or other public infrastructure, please report it to the police.

Report it: https://www.armidale.nsw.gov.au/Services/Report-a-problem

25/05/2026

Let us buy you a tea or coffee and let us know what’s on mind, Tuesday morning, Herdies. ☕️

📣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!

19/05/2026

We look forward to you asking us anything next Tuesday, 26 May at Herdies Coffee, 101 Beardy Street, Armdidale.
Paul Gaddes, Councillor - Armidale Regional Council and I will gladly buy you a tea or coffee between 8-9.30am.

📣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!

18/05/2026

We are proud to be supporting the upcoming AMSA National Rural Health Summit 2026, bringing medical students and future health professionals to our region.

By hosting events like this, we have a valuable opportunity to showcase Armidale as a place to study, work and build a career in rural and regional healthcare.

Council’s support reflects our commitment to attracting initiatives that strengthen our community, contribute to the local economy and help position Armidale as a destination for the next generation of health professionals.

Welcoming these students to our region is about more than a single event, it’s about building connections, highlighting opportunity, and sharing what makes Armidale a great place to live and work.

AMSA Rural Health Summit 2026

18/05/2026

🌧️ ☔️

Water drops: Rain this week welcome, but saving water still essential

Rainfall across the Armidale region this week has been a welcome change, however Armidale Regional Council (ARC) is reminding the community that isolated rainfall events are not enough to ease pressure on local water supplies.

Forecasts indicate a strong chance of rain across the week, with some days expected to bring moderate totals. Despite this, recent data shows that rainfall for May has remained relatively low overall, with only around 15.6 mm recorded so far this month, well below typical averages.

ARC emphasises that water storages rely on consistent and sustained rainfall over an extended period, rather than short bursts of rain.

Ongoing dry conditions and declining dam levels recently led to the introduction of Level 2 water restrictions, a proactive measure to slow water use and protect long-term supply. While this week’s rain may provide some short-term benefit, it is unlikely to significantly improve storage levels.

Experience from previous drought periods shows that recovery of water supplies can take months—or even years—without regular, ongoing inflows.

Council is encouraging all residents and businesses to continue using water wisely, even during wetter weather.

The lessons of past droughts remain clear. In 2019, the region faced critically low dam levels and the real possibility of running out of water, highlighting how quickly conditions can deteriorate without sustained rainfall.

Council will continue to monitor rainfall, dam levels and climate conditions closely and keep the community informed.

Every litre saved this week helps protect Armidale’s water supply for the months ahead.

For comments and feedback click the link below.
https://yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/water-drops-2?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUkFvYXh5clRSdGxPSlNZQwEew-YjQ-TnZaKjXv87_fU7dFFxNpobVLe7DIwkGjW2z0abeyxBxm1fRN89OgI_aem_yY_MWWp7vs6AitVN2FPtUA

15/05/2026

Can’t wait! Make sure you send the kids along for this wonderful event. 📖 🦘

If there are children in your world who love stories (and who doesn't?!), bring them along to Guyra Library for this year's National Simultaneous Storytime 📣

This year's Special Guest Reader is Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood - Armidale Regional Council

He will read 'Luna Roo: the Kangaroo Baller', written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd, and illustrated by Jake Minton - the official book for the Australia Library and Information Association's National Simultaneous Storytime 2026.

All ages are welcome, but bookings are essential!

Save the date🎗

Join us at Guyra LIbrary for a book reading by Special Guest Reader Cr Todd Redwood
🗓 Wednesday 27 May
🕛 11.45am for 12 noon start
📱 contact Guyra Library to register - phone 6770 7123

👉 also... there is a colouring competition for children aged 4 to those in year 2 at school. Entry forms are available from the Guyra Library. Entries due by 19 May 😊

Armidale Regional Libraries National Simultaneous Storytime 2026 @ Guyra Library Australian Library and Information Association

09/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the fantastic, supportive and loving mum’s across our region as well as the carers, guardians, mentors and all else who provide care, compassion and support to shape families and communities. I’m celebrating my own mum as well as the wonderful mum of my children 🥰

08/05/2026

Biosecurity inspections underway this May 🌱

Our Biosecurity Team will be out and about across the region this month, carrying out inspections in:

➡️ Armidale
➡️ Eastern Guyra, high‑risk sites and the Kookabooka area
➡️ Macleay Properties, Wollomombi and Jeogla

💧 The Spray Team will also be working along Guyra/Ebor Road, Baldersleigh Road, Booroolong Road and around Armidale.

You may notice staff in these areas during May. Thanks for your support as we continue important pest and w**d management work.

04/05/2026

Have your say about the proposed New England Rail Trail - Guyra sessions

🚲 HAVE YOUR SAY PROPOSED NEW ENGLAND RAIL TRAIL
Guyra Community Invited 🚶‍♀️

Armidale Regional Council is inviting residents to attend pop‑up consultation sessions in Guyra for the proposed New England Rail Trail between Armidale and Ben Lomond.

Come along to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and share your thoughts as part of Council’s consultation and investigation phase.

🗓 Session 1:
📅 Thursday 7 May 2026
📍 Outside IGA, Bradley Street, Guyra
🕘 9.00am – 11.00am

🗓 Session 2:
📅 Tuesday 12 May 2026
📍 Outside IGA, Bradley Street, Guyra
🕘 9.00am – 11.00am

Council staff and NSW Public Works will be on hand to discuss the project and listen to community feedback.

If you can't attend in person and want to make a submission
🔗 Visit: https://yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/new-england-rail-trail

04/05/2026

Great to see our old Court House receiving some TLC. 🏛️ ⚖️

🎨 A fresh look for the Old Armidale Court House!

Restoration work is underway on the front façade of the Old Court House, including:

✅ Removal of old lead-based paint
✅ Repairing cracks and cement render
✅ Repainting in the existing colour scheme using paint matching

This refresh will help maintain the historic building while enhancing Armidale’s streetscape.

Even better, this work will be complemented by upgrades supported through Council’s Small Heritage Grants Program, with multiple heritage buildings across the CBD set to receive repainting and repairs in the coming months.