The well-known Dubbo cleric gained the recognition for services to the Anglican Church and as a theological and language lecturer in developing countries.

The award is a "tremendous thrill" because it was "pushed by the people of Dubbo".

"I've achieved a great deal in life through sheer determination and a love of study but have never been one to laud myself over others," he said.

"Teaching is very important to me and has been a wonderful way of building relationships around the world. The Order of Australia Medal goes not only to me but also to the people I have worked with in Latin America and Asia."

Bishop Jones has come a long way from the skinny-legged Warren boy who left school at age 15.

He was aware of the deep call of God from an early age but also felt a need to experience life.

"School ended at Year 9 in Warren back then and it was difficult for an ordinary family to contemplate further education. University was out of the question so armed with a now defunct Intermediate Certificate I went to work with my father on painting and building jobs. Later I became a government contractor and painted Housing Commission properties in Dubbo during the mid-1960s.

"At age 28 the time had come to make the move towards the church and two years later I enrolled at St John's Theological College at Morpheth, near Maitland.

"Academic life was a wonderful discovery opening the gates for years of study leading to a PhD and a number of other degrees."

After gaining a first diploma in 1966 Bishop Jones was appointed to Holy Trinity Church in Orange as a ministry assistant. Three years later a move to Dubbo was in the offing.

"For some reason that I now can't really recall Dubbo didn't appeal so I went to the Bishop and asked to go to Panama.

"I went off to Latin America for three years before being called back to become rector of St Barnabas' Church in East Orange.

"I returned to Panama City from 1977-1980 then went to the Diocese of Ballarat. Throughout all those years I built up an academic background that led to an appointment from 1982-85 as lecturer in New Testament at St John's College - the place where I had started theological life years before.

"Appointments as rector at Woy Woy and Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in Sale followed and in 1994 I was made Bishop of the Diocese of Gippsland.

"In 2001 I went around the world teaching for a couple of years before coming to Dubbo as a locum. The people asked if I could become rector of Holy Trinity, which was unusual for a Bishop.

"My wife Valerie and I were pleased to stay. Valerie comes from Nyngan and we both felt very much at home back on the western plains of NSW. We love the people here and think they are very open, generous and direct.

"I am thrilled about the things that have enriched my life and feel fortunate to have a wonderful partner in Valerie.

"The OAM doesn't make me better than anyone else but it is recognition within society of having achieved a number of things.

"I didn't seek the award, nor did I feel a burning desire to become a bishop. Academic honours are the only thing I've ever really gone after. Most of my study has been outside academic institutions. Throughout life I've had to stand on my own two feet and I'm independent and western enough to like that."

At the end of 2006 Bishop Jones will have worked continuously for 57 years and at age 71 he's looking towards eventually enjoying a more private life.

In the meantime he continues to enjoy the people of Dubbo and his time at Holy Trinity.