“I don’t even know how to use Facebook, let alone how to like something,” Mr Partridge said. 

“My daughter uploaded the photo onto Facebook and then it started being shared.”

The photo quickly spread before appearing on Facebook page Unilad on January 23. It has now been shared more than 5000 times with more than 120,000 likes. 

“I am a little embarrassed because there are a lot of people talking about it,” Mr Partridge said. 

“I was just taking photos of my beard because I had been playing a hillbilly in a musical society production and my wife wouldn’t let me keep it.”

A former Walcha Australia Day citizen of the year recipient, Mr Partridge has lived in, worked in and supported Walcha all his life, being involved in many different organisations including being director, writer and actor with the Walcha Musical Society.

“He is a man who is ready and happy to help out and gives of his time willingly and unselfishly, always placing others first. He is one of the most respected and liked citizens in the Walcha district,” fellow Walcha resident Steve McCoy said of Mr Partridge.

Fairfax Media snapped a photo of Mr Partridge (without beard) at the local Australia Day celebrations where he organises traditional games such as sack races for the children every year.

His next community event is the annual Walcha Cup race meeting weekend in early February for which he runs the Lions Club foot race and also ensures the race track gardens are in top form and a riot of colour.

In spite of his involvement in most community events and performing on stage with the local musical society, Mr Partridge is a humble, social soul and is not thrilled with his current digital popularity.

The Walcha farmer said he definitely wouldn’t be allowing any more photos to be uploaded on Facebook. 

“I definitely won’t be letting my daughter get my phone again,” Mr Partridge said.