When Jerry was born, Anthony was self-employed as a stay-at-home dad and the pair hung out at playgrounds and read books together.

And then when Jerry started at Port Fairy Consolidated Primary School, Anthony was nearby working part-time in the school grounds, too.

"My dad is a really nice man and he makes a lot of time for me," Jerry says.

"I really love him."

Father also to four girls, Eva, 22, Mimi, 21, Meg, 18 and Ollie, 16, Mr Dixon says he doesn't overthink being a parent but believes the trick is working on social connections with his kids.

"It's just the simple things," he says. "We have had them help paint rooms in the house, do gardening, go for bike rides, spontaneous barbecues at Tower Hill; just little things that are inclusive."

The family has also bonded as members of the Port Fairy Surf Lifesaving Club, while tree planting with the Killarney Recreational Reserve of Management, and on camping trips with the wider family.

"The kids have always been involved," Mr Dixon says. "I am very conscious the kids do need a good father in their life. It's not just these kids but all kids."

Jerry nominated his dad, who won the award virtually on Wednesday night ahead of Father's Day on Sunday. He hopes to take his dad surfing to celebrate on Sunday.

The Rotary Club's Ian Cairns said what stood out was Jerry's "obvious admiration" for Anthony.

"Not only because he was a good dad, but also because of the good role model he was being for Jerry to follow as well," Mr Cairns said.

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