Prominent Port Fairy businessman Colin Cleary has been awarded the James O'Neill Memorial Award for Community Service.
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The award is presented annually by the Port Fairy Belfast Lions Club.
COVID-19 restrictions have meant the award ceremony, usually held on Australia Day, will not be happening this year.
Instead, Mr Clearly was presented the award at the Lions club members' barbecue on Wednesday.
Mr Cleary said the award was a surprise.
"It was out of blue but a nice honour," he said.
"Port Fairy is a great town and I am lucky enough to be in the position to help people out some times.
"The year passed has shown how good a community we live in, everyone has got behind each other and helped where they could."
Mr Cleary has a connection with the man his award is named after, with three family members of Mr O'Neill's having worked at Port Fairy IGA.
Port Fairy Belfast Lions Club member Wendy Hunter said Mr Cleary was a unanimous choice for the award.
"Colin has been a regular supporter of the Port Fairy-Belfast Lions Club," Ms Hunter said.
"He has supported many of our fundraising events, including the art show, grand final breakfast and community fundraising barbecues."
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Mr Cleary's most recent contribution to the club was a donation for the work done by Lions members to clean street furniture at Fiddler's Green.
While Mr Cleary has formed a strong partnership with the Lions club, Ms Hunter said his contribution to the community goes beyond that.
"The Rotary Club, FoodShare and many others have benefited from his generosity," she said.
"Colin is one of the town's unsung heroes.
"He does so many acts of kindness and charity for the community but doesn't seek recognition for them."
Ms Hunter said Mr Cleary's commitment to the community was on show during the tough days of early 2020.
"When the first COVID-19 lockdown began and there was panic buying of toilet paper, Colin made sure that locals didn't miss out by giving away small bags of toilet rolls," she said.
"And a free delivery service was offered to those who were unable to come and personally shop because of the need to socially isolate."
Moyne Shire will present its Australia Day awards at an invite-only ceremony at Garvoc on Tuesday.
Moyne Citizen of the Year is Elizabeth Moore and Young Citizen of the Year is Stephenee Hines.
The Moyne Community Event of the Year is Sungold Field Days.
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