Maxi from Bondi Rescue

Trent Maxwell (Maxi) is a familiar face on Channel 10’s Bondi Rescue. But did you know Maxi also works hard to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide. OutInSydney sat down to chat with Maxi about Bondi, staying positive and where he likes to dance!

You are best known for the heroic work you do as a lifeguard on Bondi Rescue, how did you fall in to that profession and score a spot on the Bondi team?

I left school in Year 10 after my School Certificate and I didn't want to be a ‘tradie’! I have always had a passion in helping people and I knew I was either going to be a lifeguard or a fireman.

When I was 16 I was lucky enough to do work experience at Bondi. That one week turned in to a three-year apprenticeship, and at the age of 19 I was lucky enough to get a seasonal full-time roll. I have been a Bondi life-guard for eight years now. I love every minute of it!

What do you love most about being a Bondi lifeguard?

It’s a great lifestyle, and I work with a great team, but most of all I love helping people both on the sand and in the water.

During winter there are considerably fewer swimmers in the water. Are you still on patrol, or do you get down-time in the cooler months?

I work nine months full time (seasonal) and 3 months off (June, July and August). For the last few years I have been working on a casual basis throughout winter, so you could say I'm full-time all year round. It seems to be getting busier and busier each year as the weather gets warmer, and tourists just love the beach.

What kinds of thing do you enjoy doing in Sydney when you’re not on patrol?  

I usually go for a trip up or down the coast for a surf, or just hang around Bondi and chill.

You own a fashion label, Bad Max clothing. What does it stand for?

Bad Max stands for Beating Anxiety Depression and I put my nick-name to it. I came up with it myself and through the label have been helping people world-wide to fight their depression.

What was the inspiration and motivation to start this up?

I have dealt with a few mental health and suicide issues at work. All of them have involved people under the age of 30. Given I am 22, I just wanted to do something about it!

Suicide is such a taboo subject, but I'm trying to raise awareness that it is happening way too much. To promote the cause, I also did a Jetski ride last September with fellow lifeguard Jesse Polock. We rode from Sydney to Cairns  - a total of 3,200 km up the East Coast – and at each stop we spoke to someone that was going through a tough time.

Do you have any tips, tricks or quotes that help you to stay positive in your line of work?

Just remember our motto: ‘It's just a bad day not a bad life’.

It’s a great thing you are doing. Where can readers find out more about Bad Max clothing and buy some threads of their own?  

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @badmaxclothing and website www.badmax.com.au. 

Most people usually spend their Summer weekends at the beach. What things would you recommend Sydney-siders do in our stunning city during winter?

Check out the local winter festivals! Get some nice food, enjoy some light entertainment and maybe do a bit of ice-skating if it is around. There have been a few rinks popping up in Sydney and it's good fun.

What are your favourite restaurants or cafes in Sydney?  

I love a good steak at Kelly's Bondi Junction.

Where would we catch you on a night out on the town?

I have recently had some fun nights in Double Bay, so maybe down The Sheaf dancing around.

If you ever got to own your own bar in Sydney, how would you theme it and what your style be?

I love tapas and a good beach bar. So I'll try and combine the two  - and definitely some karaoke! Ha!

Written by Rebecca Clarke