Sam Coupland

23/10/2026

I really need to avoid bumping into high-achieving women from this region - the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Michelle Bullock, gave the Occasional Address at today’s Graduation Ceremony at UNE Law & Business. Michelle and I both attended high school in Armidale, both have an economics degree from UNE and both spoke at today’s ceremony - and there end the similarities.

Graduations are a big deal and I wish the graduates all the best as they are released onto the world. A huge congratulations to the Vice Chancellor Chris Moran and the wider University of New England, AU team as they go from strength to strength.

15/10/2026

I shared a flight from Canberra to Sydney with the Chief of Army, Susan Coyle. We both grew up in the Tamworth region in the same era and have come a long way since the late 1980’s - she now commands 50,000 of the world’s finest soldiers (including my daughter) and I moved 150km from Duncans Creek to Armidale.

15/10/2026

Have concluded two days in Canberra with the Acting General Manager of Armidale Regional Council. We had very fruitful and receptive meetings with various ministers and heads of departments talking about key Federal issues for our region - namely the airport and our water security package.

All those who need to know are now well-versed in our challenges and the optimal solutions.

Obligatory ‘I was in Canberra’ photo is attached

10/10/2026

There is plenty going on at the moment, so if something is on your mind, come along and have a chat with me and Cr Rob Taber this Tuesday morning at Westside Espresso … Rob is 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 - Armidale Regional Council and Cr Rob Taber for a cuppa and conversation:

📅WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Tuesday 13 October 2026
☕WHERE: Westside 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!

07/10/2026

Another wonderful day conferring new citizens to Armidale (and Australia)

28/09/2026

If you are in Guyra on Wednesday morning and would like to chat with Clr Eli Y Imad, Armidale Regional Council or me, let us buy you a coffee at Kimmy’s Kitchen from 8am. See you there.

📣 Ask Us Anything back on in Guyra this week ☝️

Have a question or issue that needs to be resolved? Perhaps an update on the latest in our LGA!

Please come along to the next 'Ask Us Anything' session with the Mayor Sam Coupland - Armidale Regional Council and myself at Kimmy's Kitchen, Guyra ☕️

📅WHEN: 8am - 9:30am, Wednesday 30 September 2026

24/09/2026

September Ordinary Council Meeting wrap up 📣

K2A Contract awarded ✅
New England Rail Trail 🚴‍♀️
Future Fund 💰

Keep an eye on Council’s YourSay Armidale page for items going up on public exhibition very soon!

23/09/2026

A real honour to be re-elected mayor of Armidale Regional Council for the remainder of this council term alongside Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood - Armidale Regional Council who was returned as Deputy Mayor.

As a region we are on the precipice of massive change that needs to be steered home - water security and the necessary government funding to make it happen , improved amenities such as the New England Rail Trail and the myriad challenges arising from being in the middle of the largest Renewable Energy Zone in Australia. Todd and I look forward to working with our fellow councillors, ARC staff and the wider community to “make it all so”.

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!