PEOPLEour PLACESour Max – Mareeba’s little Mobil servo champion

BY going above and beyond in his normal duties, one young worker has become something of a hometown celebrity as the legend of “Max from Mobil” has spread throughout Mareeba.

16-year-old Max Bostock has been working his first job at Trinity Petroleum’s Mobil Mareeba site as a customer service attendant for the past nine months and has gained Facebook fame as tales of his kindness, courteousness and willingness to help has spread in the community like wildfire.

Max’s positive attitude has left a lasting impression on many people including a five-year-old girl who refuses to be served by anyone else other than Max and will wait until he is free before approaching the counter.

Mareeba Trinity Petroleum manager Denise Marshall said people have come into Mobil just to see if the rumours about Max are true and even take photos with the young man.

“His politeness, willingness to help and attitude towards the customers has just been outstanding and he has really improved in leaps and bounds,” she said.

“The comments then started on the community page and now people are coming in and always commenting on how good of a worker he is.

“He goes out and he helps customers, carries stuff out for them which is unusual for some people and they just love his thoughtfulness.”

Locals have taken to the Mareeba Community Noticeboard to sing his praises and the posts garnered hundreds of likes and comments.

“This young fella gives me hope in a world of uncertainty,” Darren Alston commented.

Michael Zuvela said, “Max is a champion. Great work ethic and a very polite confident young man.”

Another happy customer knew exactly who people were raving about despite never learning Max’s name.

“Didn't know his name, but knew instantly who you guys meant, as there is only one 'kid' who works at a servo and just brightens my day, every single time I see him,” Mandy Carvin said.

Max hasn’t quite come to terms with his status as a hometown celebrity and believes he is just doing his job and helping people where he can.

“People come in all the time and say they know me from Facebook and the community page,” he said.

“Sometimes I just feel the need to help people out.

“It does feel good to be recognised for something I do.”

Community Foundation Skills

What:

When: April 18th - June 22nd, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Who: Open to all ages (minimum age 15)

Cost: No cost to participants

Where: PCYC Mareeba, 136 Walsh Street, Mareeba

Contact: Jorgia Brown, Program Coordinator P 0447 264 658 - E jorgia.brown@pcyc.org.au This

RHYS THOMAS spoke with two locals who have become hometown celebrities by going above and beyond in their workplaces