But now, with the official announcement last week that the Department of Regional NSW will be based in the Old Teachers College, it's even more welcome.

It wasn't long after that June 2020 announcement that things seemed to turn sour for local jobs. In quick succession we were told UNE was cutting jobs in a massive restructure, and retail outlets Big W and Target would be closing the doors of their Armidale stores.

It's no surprise that on Friday Adam Marshall said the new department would provide a huge shot in the arm to the local economy and community.

Friday's announcement coincided with a visit to the city by Premier Gladys Berejiklian who, along with deputy premier John Barilaro and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell who came for the opening of the Armidale Secondary College campus on the old Armidale High School site.

Meanwhile, mayor Ian Tiley said council's plans for a hyrdrotherapy centre were back on the agenda when council met last week.

While that will please many, the issue of a rate increase is having the opposite effect, and there was a protest outside the council building as the councillors opted for a 10.5 per cent rise.

We're sure we haven't heard the last on that issue.

Thanks for reading, and remember if you'd like to get in touch with you can email the Express at armidaleexpress@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

Laurie Bullock

Group Editor