Toowoomba Region Town Crier Kevin Howarth has added the title of Australian champion to his award list following a successful outing at the 1 July national Town Crier Championships at Maryborough in Queensland.
Mr Howarth also won the Loudest Cry at the championships with an ear-piercing cry that was recorded at more than 96 decibels, a little below his regular 100 decibel-plus range, but loud enough to drown out a chainsaw.
Mr Howarth’s success in the Champion of Champions event atoned for his second place in the same event at the 2022 championships hosted by Central Coast Council in New South Wales and in 2018 at Echuca-Moama.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio congratulated Mr Howarth for his performances at the national championships of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers that were held in conjunction with the Mary Poppins festival.
“Kevin is passionate about representing our region and has performed with distinction at many competitions,” Mayor Antonio said.
“He is a fine ambassador for our region and has left another lasting impression on the national stage. I’m especially pleased that he has won the Australian Champion of Champions title after coming so close in recent years.”
Mr Howarth said he was proud to represent the Toowoomba Region at the national championships.
“It is a friendly competition, but the criers take great pride in representing their home regions and performing across the weekend,” Mr Howarth said.
“There was a packed program with many events to enjoy at the Mary Poppins festival, where the criers made several appearances.
“I had an amazing time at Maryborough and took the chance to encourage people to visit our beautiful part of Queensland.”
Mr Howarth said he was thankful for the support of Council and good wishes from many people who have encouraged him over the years.
“I was twice a UK number one DJ, and now I’m number one in Australia. It’s a relief and a great feeling,” Mr Howarth beamed.
Mr Howarth competed against 11 Town Criers from across the country.
The Criers each performed two cries, starting with a Home Cry promoting their home area, followed by a Host Cry, detailing aspects of Maryborough and the Fraser Coast Region.
Winners
Best Dressed Crier: 1st Judy Campbell.
Best Scroll: 1st Tim Keith.
Best Dressed Attendant: 1st Peter Campbell.
Loudest Cry: 1st Kevin Howath (96.0).
Champion of Champions: 1st Kevin Howath, 2nd Judy Campbell, 3rd Stephen Clarke (65).
Best Cry: 1st Judy Campbell, 2nd Kevin Howath, 3rd Lord Joseph McGrail-Bateup.
Senior Section – Over 65 Years: 1st Bob Townshend, 2nd Tim Keith, 3rd James Carter.
Conviviality Award, as voted by the Town Criers, Ken Ashford.
