And yes, yes we do. In fact, if you've been to a charity or community event in Canberra over the last five years, chances are you've heard the booming voice of the city's official town crier, Alan Moyse.

He has fulfilled the role in a voluntary capacity since 2011, even getting a costume made at his own cost.

The role originated from a campaign by radio station MIX 106.3 which believed Canberra needed a town crier.

Mr Moyse, then a human resources specialist in the federal government, was "pestered into auditioning for it by a friend".

"From all my research, I am the first official town crier for Canberra," he said.

Mr Moyse took the job seriously, joining the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Town Criers.

He's even cried while travelling overseas for Canberra. In a competition, the first cry was always about the place hosting the competition and the second cry about the place you were representing.

At events and festivals in Canberra, he would cry about the attractions. Mr Moyse especially loved extolling the virtues of Canberra, his home for the last 44 years before his retirement to the south coast.

His greatest pleasure from the role? "The people I've met and seeing how the community pulls together for people in time of need," he said.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has called for applications to appoint a new town crier for the national capital.