Judy Campbell has been the official town crier for Campaspe Shire since March 19, 1994 and that’s definitely something to celebrate.
‘‘I was actually dobbed into the job back then,’’ Judy said.
‘‘I was down doing street theatre in the Port and I was a part of a re-enactment of the closing of the brothel and someone said they could hear me from one end of the Port to the other.’’
Judy was then encouraged to try out for the role of town crier.
She was up against four men and their task for the crown was to cry from the balcony of the Bridge Hotel in Moama — and, of course, the rest is history.
Town criers were once the bearers of all news for the general populace and their official proclamations were nailed or posted to the door of the local hotel, for those who could read, thus paving the way for printed newspapers to be known as “The Evening Post”.
Nowadays, town criers are ambassadors for their areas and Judy has been hailed as the Australian Guild Champion, Runner-Up World Champion and Best Ambassador during her illustrious career, as well as best dressed town crier in her regalia of purple and gold, which reflects a 19th century ladies’ riding habit.
‘‘I’m a people person and I love the opportunity to get out and about, talk to people and the look of amazement on their faces when they see history come to life is amazing,’’ she said.
This October, the region will join in commemoration of Judy’s Silver Anniversary as our town crier, via a World Invitational Town Crier Tournament and Australian Guild Town Crier Championship.
Town criers from UK, US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will compete to discover a new Australian Guild Champion plus a World Champion.
Competition cries will be conducted commencing in Moama, with a full day of activities at the Captain’s Cottage and Telegraph Station, Chanter St, Moama on Sunday, October 13, followed by events in Echuca, Kyabram, Tongala, Rochester, Lockington, Rushworth, Mathoura and Barham during the following week, culminating in a final day of competition at the Moama Market on Sunday, October 20.
‘‘We’re also going to have space for stalls as well so anyone interested in selling antique and vintage goods or anything like that is welcome.’’
Event sponsorships are now available for businesses to purchase and have a town crier allocated to proclaim on their behalf during the tournament; please contact Judy Campbell directly at judytowncrier@hotmail.com.
To book a stall call Mary Ledgewig on 5480 7878.
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