The annual event attracted competitors from all over the country with entrants judged on their presentation, content of their cry, delivery of the cry, accuracy and the loudness of the cry.

Entrants were asked to perform two cries; a ‘home cry’ based on the criers hometown and a ‘host cry’ based on the competition’s host town. 

Mr Moyse said that he was thrilled to receive the award which acknowledged his abilities as a crier. 

“The competition was heaps of fun,” he said. “But winning was incidental. It is a wonderful recognition of my skills.”

Formerly the town crier for the ACT, Mr Moyse has been crying in the shire for two and a half years and is is also officially recognised by the Bega Valley Shire Council. 

Donning his hand-crafted nineteenth-century riding costume, Mr Moyse has been present at many of the shire’s festivals and events; his melodious voice and unique theatricality adding to the colour and vitality.

During the cruise season in Eden, he regularly greets cruise passengers who disembark at the port. He is also a regular at the Merimbula Jazz Festival and the Eden Whale Festival. 

 Mr Moyse was drawn to crying due to his involvement with medieval society The Society for Creative Anachronism but admits that crying is not for everyone.

“I am a raving extrovert, but not everybody likes dressing up and performing on street corners,” he said.

The art of crying has enabled Mr Moyse to express his love of the area. He said that he is most proud of the awards that he has received for his ‘home cry’. 

“I am often awarded for my ‘home cry’. This is where I get to extol the values of the Far South Coast.”

Mr Moyse will continue to expand his energies and invest his valuable skills in the community undertaking a role that has brought him much joy.  

“I put my heart and soul into it. If the town is going to have a town crier than we deserve a good one.”