The Youth Community Service Award, presented by Her Excellency General AC QC, The Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, recognises outstanding service or engagement with the local community.
Maxim participated in an investiture presentation conducted online through Zoom with the Governor on Thursday, September 23.
Award recipients also received a trophy and certificate of commendation from the Governor.
Conducted by the Order of Australia Association (NSW) Branch, students across the state were nominated by their school principal as being exemplary community role models before a selection panel determined the final Award recipients.
Maxim’s citation outlined his achievements and community service work over the last few years.
“Maxim Blockley is an exceptional Year 12 student at Corowa High School who has consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment and leadership across his school and the broader Corowa community,” the citation read.
“A strong advocate for community youth, he served as Deputy Mayor, then Mayor, of the local Federation Youth Council in 2020.
“In this role, he has organised multiple youth drives, focused events and activities, particularly concerning mental health, initiated development of the Corowa Youth Centre and promoted a ‘Shop Local’ drive, in support of local businesses. During Covid lockdowns, he actively promoted online events such as Musical Festivals and Mental Health Facilities through the Youth Council social media page.
“For his commitment, work and engagement across all sectors of the community, Maxim was awarded the Federation Council Young Citizen of the Year in 2021. For his leadership in both school and the community he received the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award in 2019.
“Maxim’s support for community youth is evidenced in his role as junior coach and grounds supervisor at Corowa Soccer Club. He also volunteers each year on community occasions such as the Anzac Day March and Remembrance Day ceremonies.”
Order of Australia Association (NSW) Branch Chairman, Jim Mein AM, congratulated Maxim saying he is an exemplary community role model.
“Maxim is one of 25 high school students recognised today to have selflessly volunteered their time to a wide range of organisations and for many very worthy causes while busily preparing for their Higher School Certificates,” said Mr Mein.
“After the 2020 Covid hiatus, the Award resumed this year and student nominees again admirably demonstrated the sense of community commitment and service that had epitomised previous recipients of the Award.
“Maxim has contributed beyond the norm and his actions have inspired his fellow students. Maxim is a beacon of inspiration for others to follow,” he added.
“Maxim did not seek recognition for his actions, but we honour him with the highest recognition available to NSW high school students.”
The Award was initiated by the late Dr John Lincoln AM, in 1992 and was Convened by him until his death in 2011, aged 95.
It is the second recognition Maxim has received this month after recently receiving a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Student Achievement.
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