Armidale – the “capital” of the New England region of northern New South Wales – is located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway. Armidale is a cosmopolitan city that is home to the University of New England and many other fine educational institutions. Armidale has been acknowledged as one of only 20 cities in Australia with an abundant, long-term water supply, and its cool mountain climate is regarded as a major environmental asset against a backdrop of climate-change issues.
Armidale differs from most regional centres because it has a long established university, transforming it from a rural town to a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city.
Through the University, TAFE, independent and public schools the city has become a significant centre of education, creating a wider range of jobs and business opportunities than usually found in the regions.
Armidale has a well educated and diverse population who stimulate change and demand a high standard of living.
Armidale’s strengths lie in its educational, agricultural, retail, government and professional services, and it is these industry sectors that provide vital employment for a significant portion of the local labour force
Visit the official Armidale website www.armidaleregion.com.au
Quick Facts
Housing prices - Median price $275,000
Key major employers - University of New England (UNE); Hunter New England Area Health Service; Armidale Dumaresq Council, The Armidale School, New England Institute of TAFE, New England Community Mutual, Research Organisations, Professional Services Firms
Key business opportunities - Education, professional and technical services, research services, public administration, boutique retail, light manufacturing, land development, medical and dental services
Schools - 3 independent day and boarding schools (K-12), 8 public primary schools, 2 public high schools, Catholic primary and high school, Rudolf Steiner School, Montessori School, Minimbah Aboriginal School
Tertiary education - University of New England (UNE), UNE Partnerships (UNEP), New England Institute of TAFE, University of the Third Age, New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM)
Retail services - The Armidale Mall, Hanna’s Arcade, Armidale Centro, Armidale Plaza, Richardson’s Arcade, East End Mall, Harvey Norman Centre, Phoenix Centre and Bunnings Warehouse Centre
Leisure and dining - 9 licensed hotels, 4 registered clubs, 16 cafes and many established restaurants
Support services - 2 major hospitals (Armidale Hospital and Armidale Private Hospital), School of Rural Medicine (UNE), numerous General, Dental and Specialist Medical Services, Ageing & Disability Services, Youth Services, State & Federal Government Services
Climate - Temperature ranges from 12 to 27 degrees in summer; 0 to 16 in winter. Average annual rainfall 800mm
Population - 26,642 people
