ARMIDALE Regional Council has entered into a new arrangement with UNE Life that secures the future operation of Armidale Regional Airport’s Café, restoring an important service for travellers and the wider community.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, Council noted the finalisation of a 12‑month Memorandum of Understanding with UNE Life to operate the Airport Café.
Mayor Sam Coupland said the agreement is a welcome outcome for the region.
“This is great news for our community,” Cr Coupland said.
“While the airport has been without café services, travellers and visitors have been impacted. Families and friends waiting to meet planes, or commuters preparing to depart, have had limited options for refreshments.”
“The absence of a café service is an inconvenience, but it also affects the overall vibrancy of the airport space,” he said.
Kim Lawrence, CEO of UNE Life, also welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a collaboration with Armidale Regional Council and a practical solution that will support both travellers and the local community.
“UNE Life identified an opportunity to maintain an important service for the region, applying our established hospitality capability to ensure the café reopens as soon as possible,” Ms Lawrence said.
“With systems for staffing, procurement and compliance already in place, we are well positioned to ensure continuity of service at the airport while contributing to the amenities and connectedness of the region.”
Council had been actively exploring solutions since being advised that the previous tenant would vacate the premises.
“The arrangement with UNE Life is a fantastic solution,” Cr Coupland said.
“It provides a low‑risk operational model that will allow café services to resume quickly, and over the initial 12‑month period, Council and UNE Life will explore opportunities within the café and the broader airport precinct to inform a long‑term, sustainable operating model.
“The Airport Café offers a welcoming space with views of the airfield. It’s a nice spot for coffee or lunch, not only for travellers but for the wider community.
“With the first two hours of airport parking free, I encourage everyone to make the most of the revitalised venue when it opens for business,” Cr Coupland smiled.
UNE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Moran, said UNE Life’s airport presence is a tangible outcome of UNE’s resolve to become more embedded in its communities.
“This agreement signals the start of a strategic broadening of what it means to be a regional university,” he said.
Armidale Regional Airport Café will be re-opened for business before the first scheduled flight on Friday, April 10.
