But he did not expect to receive a medal himself.

Mr Considine, who has been honoured for service to the community of Bendigo, particularly through the pipe band movement and the Catholic Church, is one of 458 Australians to receive an OAM.

Mr Considine's involvement in the band movement started when he was a primary school student in 1959.

Since then, he has held executive positions or another role in the band.

Mr Considine has also played an active role in his church.

He has been involved in parish and school councils, dioceses, liturgical committees, youth groups and the national Franciscan Parish Committee.

He spent 20 years at St John of God Hospital, and is now working in pastoral care, where his role includes visiting patients in the hospital, whatever their religion, and providing comfort to the families of gravely ill people.

``It's a privilege to be involved with people at such a personal and deep level,'' he said.

``We touch a lot of lives, and they touch ours.''

He was also instrumental in establishing the Maureen Considine Fund, along with staff of the Sandhurst Diocese Education Office, to provide accommodation for adults with intellectual disabilities.

The father of five said he was humbled by the award and attributes it to Maureen, his wife of 30 years, who recently passed away.

``It's really her award.

``Who I am is only because of the love and support I've received along the way.

``I feel very honoured.''