Miss Tierney received the i98FM/ahm Local Hero of the Year Award for 2013 after her fourth annual Creative Performance Evening by Those With a Disability at The Shellharbour Club brought the fund-raising total to $45,000 for the Disability Trust.

The 18-year-old from Kiama and former Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Oak Flats, student said she was overwhelmed to receive the award after her third nomination, again alongside a strong field of contenders.

"I don't think I'm a hero," she said.

"There's no way I could have done it without the Music Makers shining like stars.

"It was a privilege just to be nominated."

With her Local Hero Award trophy now placed beside her 2011 Kiama Young Citizen of the Year award, Miss Tierney said she wanted the Music Makers to have more opportunities to perform.

The Local Hero Awards were broadcast on radio on June 14 from the City Beach Function Centre.

Also among the recipients was Jane Pitt, who won Teacher of the Year.

Mrs Pitt teaches modern history, ancient history and junior and senior history at St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park.

She is also engaged in several activities and organisations such as Thursday Thermals, Operation Smile, Vinnies Winter Appeal and even visits "Little Joeys" in Vietnam.

"It was a humbling experience," Mrs Pitt said.

"I'm used to standing behind the scenes, not in front of them.

"I represent hundreds of teachers who give that little extra. It was an honour to accept it on the behalf of hundreds of other teachers.

"It's a 'thank you' to all people who go above and beyond."

Mrs Pitt, whose son is also a history teacher, has taught at the school for the past nine years.

She began her teaching career at Kanahooka High School in 1974.

She later taught at Kiama High and St John the Evangelist High School at Nowra.

She said she loved making a difference.

"It goes far beyond the classroom. Your involvement with kids - that's what I love about it."