That near-decade of commitment to young people in the region was recognised by ClubsNSW at the Clubs and Community Awards night on Friday, May 8, when the program was named as a Highly Commended award recipient. 

“It wasn’t just Club Mudgee or Max Potential that received the award,” Max Potential program coordinator Fiona Brown said. 

“It’s a testament to the efforts of the whole community including outside sponsors, local schools, the young adults who have been involved, the community coaches, and recipients of community services projects. This is an award for the whole community,” she said. 

Mrs Brown said the club had entered the youth category several times before but 2015 was the first time the program had been named as a finalist. 

“While it would be great to win, it’s really about showcasing the contributions Club Mudgee makes to the community,” she said. 

Club Mudgee was nominated in the youth category for “recognising opportunities for young people to develop leadership, life-skills, and teamwork abilities through a range of activities, events, and experiences”. 

“We’re honoured to receive this award and be recognised within the industry, especially being up against some of ClubsNSW’s bigger clubs,” Club Mudgee CEO Maureen Hutchison said. 

Clubs from across the state nominated events and services they provided to their local communities for consideration in the Clubs and Community awards, with finalists for each of the 11 categories chosen by a board of judges. 

The finalists attended a presentation night in early May which was attended by 900 people including politicians, dignitaries from ClubsNSW, and representatives from across the state.