Chips Fearon is pictured with Northern Grampians Shire Councillor, Karen Hyslop, after receiving his award. Picture: MARK McMILLAN
MARNOO - The unofficial 'Mayor of Marnoo', Chips Fearon, has received this year's Australia Day 'Local Hero' award.
Over the past two years, the Marnoo resident has thought up many new ways to help raise money for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.
In June 2011, Chips decided to shave off his beard to support the cause. This was the first time he had been without a beard for almost 40 years.
Last year Chips travelled around Tasmania in his 1957 Volkswagen Beetle 'Reggie', raising approximately $8,000.
Chips has also raised money for the Marnoo community through the collection of aluminium, cardboard and metal for recycling.
In 2008, he helped the town win the Sustainable Community Tidy Town 'Zero Waste' Award.
In addition to fundraising, Chips is a member of the CFA and a past executive member of the Marnoo Football Club.
He also spent many years on the steering committee to beautify the Marnoo township.