Her sister Ivana was awarded the very same honour at last year’s Australia Day event in Mildura.

The win has mum Mariana beaming and especially proud of her two community-minded girls.

“Katerina likes to help out, we try to teach the kids that if everyone does their bit it makes the place a better community to live in,” Mrs Blekic said.

“I’m proud, even though they’re sisters they are just two totally different people and they’re involved in different events and charities and this isn’t just about yourself it’s about what you give to the community.”

Katerina is about to start school at Mildura Senior College.

Between study and helping out on her family’s winegrape block, the 16-year-old makes time to volunteer for a number of community organisations. She’s even involved in the Australian Air Force Cadets.

While Katerina knew she was nominated, a win was far from her mind.

“It was a bit unexpected, I didn’t really know about it,” she said.

“I found out about a week ago I was nominated. I was shocked. I was on a two- week air force based promotion course and mum rang up to say I’d been nominated.”

The Mildura teen said she liked to volunteer and get involved in events because “it’s fun and it’s good to get out and do things”.

Her nomination was in recognition of her contribution to the Mildura Masters Games, her involvement in Music Feast, Speak Off and various school productions, choir and the Victorian maths competition.

Katerina represented Mildura South Primary School in the eisteddfod, she competed in inter-school volleyball, football, cricket, badminton and table tennis and was an active member of Irymple Secondary College’s Student Representative Council.

She has helped organise a Kids teaching Kids conference and was the recipient of awards including a certificate of academic performance and a certificate for participating in the Red Shield Door Knock Appeal.

She was even awarded Dux in Year 9 and soon she will be promoted to corporal in the Air Force Cadets.

This article appeared in Friday's Sunraysia Daily 27/1/2012.