Promoting Victor Harbor through vibrant community engagement and announcements.

Mike has been a Town Crier for over twenty five years.

Gisborne, a small village in Victoria Australia on the main route to the centre of the state and a happy place that was popular with tourists heading to the gold fields region. Sitting in a valley that not only carried tourist traffic, but light commercial trucks, it was a very laid back place to live.

As trucks got bigger, and navigating the bends in and out of the valley became difficult, the state government decided to build a bypass around the village.

At that time, Mike had a small retail business in the main street and was chair of the business association.

The local community were pleased at the thought of the village going back to being a quiet spot where you could sit and have a coffee without the rumble of huge trucks interrupting your conversation.

Business owners in town were not so sure as much of their income was from passing trade from folk heading north and stopping in this quaint little village in the valley.

The business association decided it needed a marketing plan to ensure the survivability of the village. The vision was to retain most of the historic value of the village whilst encompassing the modern retailing model.

The local historian recalled that in the 1800’s Gisborne had a Town Crier who also happened to be the local dentist. Now that’s a good idea to do promotions was the consensus of the group, but who would put their hand up to take on the role?

That was in 1989 and Mike is still suited up as a Town Crier, but refuses to take part in any local dentistry! Later appointed as the official Town Crier for the Shire of Macedon Ranges, and joining the Guild of Victorian Criers, the role grew to become something more than a promotion. His role warranted joining the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers and competing in various competitions. After living overseas for a number of years, Mike and his wife moved to Victor Harbor in South Australia, and has been enjoying the role once again in this beautiful city.

Since then, Mike has often been asked of any moments to remember and yes there are a couple.

Being invited to welcome the Olympic torch through Gisborne in 2000 was a highlight to remember but supposes an embarrassing moment will always stand out.

Mike recalls, " I had been asked to do a meet and greet at the Adelaide town hall for passengers off a cruise liner who were to attend a concert there. I had as a matter of course packed my gear and checked off each item before leaving for the 90-minute drive to the location.

Getting changed into the regalia I realised I had forgotten one important item. My trouser braces! OK, my trousers had an elastic waist band and I had acquired a few pounds around the middle, so on testing the stance I thought all would be ok as I would be standing to do the greeting. Taking up my spot on the footpath as the first bus arrived and the group disembarked, I raised the bell for the first time and my trousers fell around my ankles!

Fortunately, my coat is calf length so not all was revealed. A friendly nearby usher quickly removed his trouser belt and helped to regain my modesty. I now remember when raising the arm to ring the bell, a lot of the other parts of your body do likewise. Being a Town Crier never surprises. "

Since the early days of Town Crying, Mike has competed in many competitions both nationally and overseas. Having been acclaimed as Australasian champion on a couple of occasions, Mike has received many other awards.

Nowadays, Mike is seen regularly around his hometown, leading Christmas parades, taking part in Australia day celebrations and visiting local markets to meet and greet visitors and locals alike.

Town Crier Services

Community Engagement

Connecting with locals and visitors to share the vibrant stories and events of Victor Harbor.

Event Announcements

Delivering exciting news and updates about local happenings, ensuring everyone stays informed and involved.

Promoting Victor Harbor through engaging announcements and community events as your official Town Crier.

Mike has for a long time supported local events and businesses with a colourful and sometimes noisy promotion. If you would like Mike to be part of your happening, whether it be a new shop opening or a regular festival, Mike would happily assist and as usual collect a gathering of happy and smiling faces.