By Ewen McRae
The big voice and friendly face of Gavin Barker is well known across the Moorabool shire, where he’s been the official town crier for more than two decades.
Mr Barker has been the official shire announcer for the past 22 years, and loves every bit of it.
“There’s a lot of citizenship ceremonies and council functions, meeting people and being the face of the shire I suppose, which is lots of fun,” he said.
“A town crier is an ambassador for the shire, something I’ve loved to do. Having the big voice helps as well, I guess.”
Mr Barker recently represented Moorabool at the National Town Criers Championships and World Town Crier Invitational in Echuca/Moama, picking up second place in the loudest cry (with a 99.1 decibel cry), and third in the Champion of Champions event.
He was also presented the Pat Adamson Award, which is given to the crier who is trying to better the town crier guild in the community.
“The man who won the world tournament was an ex opera singer, so there was some stiff competition there,” Mr Barker said. “But it’s all fun as well. I see it as a chance to meet my friends again. I’ve had friends for years from doing this. I can’t see myself stopping unless the lungs or legs give out.”
