Thirty nine candidates to battle it out for nine spots on council

20th Aug 2024

The battle to secure a place on Armidale Regional Council for the next four years has begun with 39 candidates putting their names forward.
Voters will head to the polls on Saturday, September 14th to elect nine new councillors for the upcoming term.
Current Mayor Sam Coupland has thrown his hat back in to the ring and heads what he calls a “growth” group of eight candidates, who he believes are best placed to shape the region going forward.
The group includes sitting councillors Todd Redwood, Paul Gaddes and Jonathan Galletly.
Four new candidates, all women, will be part of his group his group including Tenterden based grazier Jane McTier along with Melanie Fillios, Kay Endres, and Jane Schmude.
There is strong competition from other groups who will be vying for votes come election day.
A strong contingent of Guyra based candidates are hoping to attract votes based on a return to ‘strong regional representation’.
The group is headed by Llangothlin based business owner Eli Imad and includes Rob Lenehan, Peter Heagney, Robert Jackson and Jypsi Hooper.
Armidale businessman Rob Taber is heading a group of five including former councillor Rob Richardson, Siri Gamage, Josephine Newberry and Andy Berryman.
Current councillor Margaret O’Connor is looking for another term with a group of five including Guyra’s Janet Edmonds.
The final two groups represent the Greens headed by Dorothy Robinson and Labor headed by Susan McMichael.
Ungrouped candidates are current councillor Brad Widders, Jennifer Wild, Joshua Fittler, Madankumar Narayanamurthy and Natasha Ledger.
Sitting councillors Steve Mepham and Paul Packham are not recontesting their spots this time around.
Pre poll voting will take place between Saturday September 7th and Friday September 13th.
Voting centres will be open at the Guyra Community Hall and the Armidale Town Hall for pre poll as well as on election day September 14th.
Black Mountain Public school will also be open on election day only for voting.