WhatsUp in July

With Sarah Rossiter

CBD Parking Fee Increases

An increase in the cost of on and off-street parking in the city’s CBD has taken effect 1 July, with Toowoomba Regional Council asking shoppers and workers to pay more.

“This is the first parking fee increase in two years and this is the minimum we could raise rates and still keep pace with our costs for maintenance, upgrading equipment and improving payment options,” he said.

Town Crier Kevin Howarth wins Australian title

Toowoomba Region Town Crier Kevin Howarth has added the title of Australian champion to his award list following a successful outing at Saturday’s (July 1, 2023) 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 EchucaMoama.

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.

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“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.”