SOUTHERN Downs town crier and local treasure Bob Townshend has just been named Southern Downs Citizen of the Year.

Mr Townshend received his award just minutes ago at an Australia Day Celebrations at Glengallan Homestead where crowds have gathered to offer their congratulations.

Since 2011, Mr Townshend has volunteered his time and booming voice to welcome visitors and locals to events around the region.

He was honoured with the Southern Downs Citizen of the Year award for his incredible contribution to the community and for representing our region at five Australian Championships, including in 2015 when he was the only Queensland crier in the competition.

Mr Townshend has even presented a greeting from the Mayor of the Southern Downs to the Mayor of Warwick in England.

Big congratulations to a very deserving winner and to all the other award recipients recognised at the ceremony this morning.