The 78-year-old former dentist says he has received so many blessings in his life that giving something back seems natural.

Dr Moloney was honoured with the OAM for service to the community of Ballarat through social welfare organisations.

In Dr Moloney’s case, it was with Apex, Rotary and St Vincent De Paul.

“My reaction (to the Queen’s Birthday honour) was ‘why me?’,” Dr Moloney says.

“I am delighted. It is something I never really dreamed of. In my interaction with service clubs like Apex, Rotary and now the St Vincent de Paul Society, you see so many people who might be more worthy.

“I’ve been very privileged having living parents, a very satisfying career, being married to Anne for 54-and-a-half years, and five kids and 15 grandchildren I am enormously proud of. I’ve received so many blessings so giving back to people who haven’t had the same blessings seems natural.”

Dr Moloney was a member of the Apex Club in Nhill for 14 years and was club president, district governor and is now a life member.

Upon moving to Ballarat he joined the Rotary Club of Ballarat South, becoming president in 1991-1992, and secretary for three terms.

Joining the St Vincent de Paul Society in 1996, he has been president North Western Central Council and State Council, conference president, and Ballarat Regional Council President.

“The St Vincent de Paul work is so gratifying,” Dr Moloney said.

“I left Rotary so I could devote more time to it.”

Work-wise, Dr Moloney had a dental practice in Nhil before becoming the chief dental officer at the Ballarat Base Hospital Dental Clinic between 1975 and 1995.

Like others recognised on the Queen’s Birthday honours list, Dr Moloney will receive his medal in September.