QUICKLINKS: WHAT WE STAND FOR | CANDIDATES | FAQS | HOW TO VOTE
Vote for growth in the Armidale Regional Council Elections 2024, and keep the region moving forward.
As Independents, we stand for:
Local Job Creation
Growth attracts new business, supports existing enterprises, and increases investment in infrastructure, which creates jobs, reduces unemployment, and increases household income.
A Stronger Local Economy
Growth in the local economy is crucial for a strong regional community, it drives improved living standards, and in turn fosters long-term resilience.
Stopping the Decline
Unless we grow, we risk losing even more services, business and jobs to our neighbouring towns like Tamworth or Newcastle. We have a choice, grow or decline and continue to lose out. And we have to use all the possible tools we can to make a long term difference.
Locals making local decisions
We strongly believe party politics has no place in local Councils. We must be free to make decisions that suit our community members, not that of our political taskmasters. And we must focus on issues that directly affect our community that we can control.
A Sustainable Community
By growing the local economy we can drive improved living standards for all residents, and that in turn fosters long-term resilience.
New England REZ - Fair Pay
We stand for every developer approved by the NSW Government in the New England Renewable Energy Zone paying their fair share and providing long term benefits to this community.
Local Housing Availability
Growing the economy, the community and growing jobs means growing the opportunities for housing - of all types at all income levels.
Local Services & Support
By growing the community, Governments (State and Federal) are forced to deliver more services in this community. That’s more doctors, more nurses, more teachers and better facilities across the board.
Vote 1 Growth and help grow our region to a better future.
Meet the Team.
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Sam Coupland
I was raised on a property near Nundle, completed my schooling at TAS and earned my degree at UNE. I worked in Sydney and abroad for 20 years before returning to Armidale with my family in 2012. Professionally, I still work as an advisor to professional service firms.
In January 2022 I was honoured to be elected Mayor of Armidale Regional Council and it is in this role that I led the turnaround in fortunes of our region. Much of the early planning and heavy lifting has been done in this council term but the implementation requires cohesive leadership to realise our potential.
Mobile: 0402 024 120
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Todd Redwood
I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the 2022-24 council as Deputy Mayor, leading a region that’s on the move again.
As a returner, our family is privileged to call Armidale home while I perform a global role for a British company, enabling my two young girls access to world class education in a place with a lifestyle the envy of our city friends.
But the job’s not done, our region needs to grow, requiring a progressive and collaborative civic leadership to drive the necessary changes, and I’ll be honoured to represent you to make this happen.
Mobile: 0414 689 508
Email: todd@toddredwood.com.au
Instagram: toddredwood_arc
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Paul Gaddes
Originally from Dorrigo, now in Armidale with all immediate family residing in Armidale or Guyra.
A 25-year career in technology as a top level executive in some of the world’s leading software organisations.
Degree in Aerospace Engineering (Hons) from the University of New South Wales, Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Stirling.
Armidale Regional Council (Councillor 2021/24), Rotary Club of Armidale (Board), NERAM (Board), & The Armidale School (Parents & Friends Committee).Mobile: 0418 686 175
Email: paul@paulgaddes.com
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Kay Endres
I am a 4th generation local girl and have lived in Armidale all my life. My husband Graeme and our three grown up children, all who are married, moved away to further their careers have all moved back to Armidale with our five beautiful grandchildren. I am passionate about our community and have worked in the tourism industry for over 35 years.
Mobile: 0409 723 657
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Jane Mactier
Raised with a passion for agriculture, Jane commenced her career as an environmental scientist, then returned to study as a livestock veterinarian. Based west of Guyra, she served on the Local Land Services Board until May 2024 and remains actively involved in youth sports with her three primary-aged children. Jane is committed to representing the rural community, advocating for sustainable regional growth, supporting local business, opportunities for children, career development, and also catering for a fulfilling retirement.
Mobile: 0439 450 564
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Jane Schmude
Hello, I’m Jane Schmude and am a long-term resident of Armidale and live here with my wonderful family. I am married to Marty, youngest of the four Schmude boys and we have a daughter Tess, 15 and two sons, Joe, 17 and Leo, 21. I am currently the Acting Head of College at Mary White, UNE.
My core values of wellbeing and connectedness drive my vision for Armidale, Guyra and the rural villages. I’m committed to addressing the key issues that matter most to us: growing our population, boosting our financial resilience, and fostering a stronger sense of community for our whole region.
Mobile: 0409 155 124
Email: jmschmude@gmail.com
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Melanie Fillios
I am originally from regional New England, USA, and have made Australia home since 2006. Moving from Sydney to Armidale in 2015 with a young child, I joined UNE's Archaeology department, and am now Director of Place based Education & Research where I build regional capacity through education. I am a passionate lifelong educator, dedicated to fostering regional growth through University-Council partnerships.
Email: melaniefillios@gmail.com
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Jon Galletly
I plan to continue to support the growth of this region by being very open minded to any new comers wanting to start their business here. This region didn’t ask for the REZ to be established here, but we have it so I will work to make the most of it. I have enjoyed working with the community over the last couple of terms and I believe we need to grow, but still need to keep Armidale, Guyra and our other smaller villages with a nice rural feel.
Mobile: 0476 797 575
FAQs
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It’s a simple equation, funding goes where the population goes. And businesses and jobs follow funding. If we are not growing, we are in decline compared to other regional centres and we lose that opportunity to them.
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We have lost ground to our nearest neighbours and we've lost funding as a result. If we don't grow we’ll all be travelling 100+km down the New England Highway much more often to use services we’ve come to take for granted.
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We are pro public transport, in all its forms (including rail). But, public transport is a State Government issue and unless we have the population to support the need for additional public transport, we will simply not get it.
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This region is beautiful, all year round, and we should be sharing it and sharing in the benefits that visitors bring. Walking, biking, food, sporting - it all adds up and supports a brighter future.
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No one has the answer to solving the cost of living dilemma. But, a larger population means we can achieve economies of scale and share the burden. If we don’t grow and continue to decline, we will have fewer people paying a growing amount just to exist.
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We believe the Rail Trail is an enormous opportunity to grow tourism. It is a disused asset, sitting idle, rotting and costing every taxpayer. The best part is, that if the NSW Government ever wants to put the train back on the line, it can do just that, and we will have had the benefit in the meantime. It’s an asset that we cannot afford not to leverage.
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We are a group of citizens who genuinely care about this region and leaving it in a better place. We are determine to make hard decisions to continue to turn the Council around, knowing that long term stability will give us a solid foundation for return Armidale as the pre-eminent regional centre in the country.
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Follow the How to Vote Card available for download (PDF) or Social media image.
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Simply turn up at any of the events we’re attending over the next month (we'll publish a list on this website) or send us a message - we’ll respond as soon as we can.
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Use this form for the Vote 1 Growth Supporters Team and we’ll keep you in the loop for all the opportunities.
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All the information you need is available on the NSW Electoral Website here.
