Guyra Progress reflects on a year of community achievement

08th Sep 2026

The Guyra & Community Progress Association has celebrated a busy and productive year of community projects, advocacy and collaboration at its Annual General Meeting held on 27th August.
The past 12 months has shown what can be achieved when a community works together.
The Association introduced a new annual Financial Year Planning Day, moved to monthly meetings and hosted a range of guest speakers, including Brendan Moylan MP, Councillors Eli Imad and Susan McMichael, National Parks and Wildlife Service Area Manager Mike Greig, Kolora Facility Manager Charmaine Rond and local sculptor Mick Colvin.
Advocacy with Armidale Regional Council remained a strong focus, contributing to projects including the repainting of the Showground Community Hall, replacement of the playground shade sail, graffiti removal and installation of cemetery row markers.
The Progress Association is also continuing to work with Council on the Bradley Street tree lights, Christmas decorations and water conservation improvements around Council-owned facilities.
Community projects featured strongly throughout the year, including the Poppy Mural at the Apex Shed by member and local artist Kay Smith and the Kolora Aged Care Reflection and Memorial Garden and Sculpture Project, led by members Barbara and John Ross with support from local volunteers and organisations.
The Association also responded positively when the newly installed stone wall at the NAB carpark gardens was vandalised, with local stonemason Paul Kirk generously donating his time to repair the community asset.
The Progress congratulated member Leigh Ramage, who was named Guyra Citizen of the Year on Australia Day, and Daniel Rond, who was appointed by Brendan Moylan MP as Guyra’s new representative on the Armidale Regional Council Transport Advisory Committee.
Community events continued to grow, with 14 homes participating in the annual Christmas Lights Competition and strong attendance at the free Guyra New Year’s Eve celebration.
The inaugural Thriftmas in July was another highlight, bringing businesses, residents and community groups together through markets, a garage sale trail, hot chocolate trail and other activities. The positive response has encouraged Progress members to build on the event next year.
The Association is invested in strengthening links with local businesses by joining the Armidale Regional Chamber of Commerce and continuing to support community organisations through grant support letters.
Two public-access defibrillators were also purchased with the generous assistance of Chris Gaddes. The Progress is now working with Guyra VRA, Guyra Pharmacy, Davidson & Cameron and Armidale Regional Council to determine suitable 24/7 public access installation locations.
At the AGM, Sonya Wallbridge was re-elected President, Craig Smith as Vice President with Lynda Kagan as Secretary and Nic Bourne as Treasurer.
Members, volunteers, local organisations, businesses and Armidale Regional Council have been a tremendous support throughout the year, and I sincerely thank them for their ongoing support, generosity and commitment to our community.
It’s been an incredibly busy and rewarding year, and I’m extremely proud of what our members and community have achieved together.
Sonya Wallbridge, President

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Guyra Progress reflects on a year of community achievement

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