Australian Town Crier title contenders hear Kevin loud and clear
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Toowoomba Region Town Crier Kevin Howarth hit an ear-piercing 102.2 decibel high during his successful outing at last month’s 2022 Australian Town Crier Championships hosted by Central Coast Council in New South Wales.
Mr Howarth finished second in the Champion of Champions event. He was pipped by half a point for the overall title, which was won by Judy Campbell from Campaspe Shire and Murray River Council.
After winning the World’s Loudest Cry at the 2019 World Invitational Town Crier Tournament and Australian Championships held at Echuca-Moama, Mr Howarth was keen to shock the Central Coast residents with his impressive roar.
He duly delivered, with an ear-splitting cry recorded at 102.2 decibels that would drown out most chainsaws.
At the start of the event, Town Criers from Victor Harbour, Bega Valley, Southern Downs, Moorabool, Fraser Coast, City of Sydney, Strathbogie Shire, Lane Cove, Canberra and Queanbeyan, Parkes, Scenic Rim, Campaspe and Murray River and Brisbane paraded through Wyong streets delivering community messages about businesses in the town.
This was followed by the Australian Championships, which were held at the historic Alison Homestead before a 100-strong crowd.
The 14 Criers each performed two cries, starting with a Home Cry promoting their home area, followed by a Host Cry, detailing aspects of the Central Coast and Alison Homestead.
The Criers also visited Wyong schools during their stay.
Toowoomba Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald congratulated Mr Howarth for his efforts at Wyong.
“Kevin is passionate about representing our Region and has an infectious personality that engages a crowd and enlivens any event,” Cr McDonald said.
“He is a fine ambassador for our Region and has left another lasting impression on the national stage. His cry might still be echoing around Wyong.”
Mr Howarth said he was proud to represent the Toowoomba Region at the national championships.
“Apart from the competition, the criers were transported around the district visiting schools, shopping centres and a reptile park before attending the official civic reception,” Mr Howarth said.
“I had an amazing time at Wyong and took the chance to encourage people to visit our part of Queensland.
“The championships are conducted in a competitive, but friendly manner. Missing the overall title by half a point was disappointing, but I’m looking forward to improving my performance at next year’s Australian titles at Victor Harbour in South Australia.”
Caption: Toowoomba Region Town Crier Kevin Howarth.