The 80-year-old, who suffers from dementia, was found in bushland by a walker close to Gracefield Road near the Western Freeway, part of the Yarrowee Trail.

The local man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was scouting for scenic bush photograph locations when he found Mr Moloney about 8.40pm yesterday.

“I just took the right turn and literally stumbled upon him lying down on the path,” the man said.

“I knew about the missing man. We’d been talking about it throughout the day at work.

“I jumped on The Courier’s website and saw his clothing description, which matched what he was wearing and I called the police straight 

away.

“I’m still shaken up. I didn’t know his condition.” 

The police helicopter, uniformed Ballarat units, the search and rescue crew from Melbourne and multiple SES units were all engaged in the search. 

Before being found, his last sighting was about 4.30pm on Sunday, near his Walker Street home. 

Ballarat Senior Sergeant Dave Collins said he had spoken to the family the day before who were very concerned for the safety and wellbeing of Mr Moloney.

“They would be very happy to know that he is OK,” Senior Sergeant Collins said.

patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au

nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au