Mayor Sam Coupland - Armidale Regional Council

26/08/2026

August 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting wrap-up 📣

16/08/2026

Kay Endres and I will be at Double Drop Espresso tomorrow morning (Tuesday 18th) from 8am.  Come along, grab a coffee and shoot the breeze with us. There is plenty going on:
- water security
- New England Future Fund
- Rail trail (of course)
- C*D Vitality Plan
- up coming events: Creative Streets

📣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 councillor Kay Endres for a cuppa and conversation:

📅WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Tuesday 18 August 2026
☕WHERE: Double Drop 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!

15/08/2026

If you genuinely want to understand our water security challenges and the pathway forward, do yourself a favour, grab a cup of tea and read this article …

No water, no REZ: how Armidale is using the REZ as leverage to fix a decade-old problem | WEEKEND LONG READ: There's an $800m price tag on getting water security for Armidale and Uralla, and ratepayers don't have it Now the state wants a $24 billion energy zone built here, and Mayor Sam Coupland is using that need as leverage: no water, no REZ.

Click the link https://www.netimes.com.au/2026/08/15/no-water-no-rez-how-armidale-is-using-the-rez-as-leverage-to-fix-a-decade-old-problem/ to get the full story, paywall free. Really.

11/08/2026

Tonight (Tuesday 11 August) is census night … as a region we all need to step up and do our bit and complete the census.

This is vital for our future as these numbers feed into the planning assumptions the government’s rely on when allocating their resources. It is a game of relativities and if we want more we need to show we deserve more.

09/08/2026

My brother-in-law Robbie Katter robbiekattermp rang me this morning to let me know that Armidale lad Brodie Meredith brodie_meredith won the Open Bull Ride at the 2026 Mt Isa Rodeo. This is an outstanding achievement by Brodie and it is made all the sweeter because Robbie and Bob are really lamenting NSW winning everything dear to them this year.

30/07/2026

There's plenty happening across the Armidale Region, and James and I cover it all in the latest episode of Ramble On!

This month we're discussing everything from the strong community response to our Ask Us Anything sessions and the future of our C*D through the Vitality Plan, to the Rail Trail consultation, Water Strategy and Local Housing Strategy.

We're also reflecting on some special recent events, including welcoming new Australian citizens at our Citizenship Ceremony and the honour of presenting the Keys to the City to local legend Mr Ron Vickress.

Plus, we talk about exciting investment in our region, including plans by Global Sisters to redevelop a site in Allingham Street.

I'd love you to give it a listen and hear more about the work underway across our community.

🎧 Listen here:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/bJNxh_9KsyQ
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jHpLb1ItAqqLHIPncT5sR?si=VwpT_3RHS0CqrUGue6ok7g

23/07/2026

July 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting wrap up 📣

20/07/2026

Come along to the Goldfish Bowl from 8 am tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd) and chat with Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood - Armidale Regional Council about whatever is on your mind. We are shouting the 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 Mayor Sam Coupland and Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood for a cuppa and conversation:

📅WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Wednesday 22 July 2026
☕WHERE: The Goldfish Bowl, 160 Rusden 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!

06/07/2026

Rob Taber and I will be having an Ask Us Anything session at Fat Goose Crossing tomorrow (Tuesday 7 July) from 8am. If there is something on your mind or you just want to shoot the breeze come on down and let us shout 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 Mayor Sam Coupland and Cr Rob Taber for a cuppa and conversation:

▪ WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Tuesday 7 July 2026
▪ WHERE: Fat Goose Crossing Cafe☕

'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!

04/07/2026

Just WOW - the Armidale Drama and Musical Society performance of the Rocky Horror Show  is absolutely world class. We are so blessed to have such talented actors, directors, musicians and crew in our region. Do yourself a favour, buy your tickets and make sure you don’t miss out.