Sally Hetherington, 32, Sydney, NSW, nominated by Jessica Nguyen

Sally embodies what it means to be a down-to-earth, hard-working Australian with a heart of gold and a sense of humour.

She is president and founding member of Human and Hope Association Incorporated (HHA Inc.), an Aussie charity helping the most vulnerable people in Siem Reap, Cambodia, out of poverty.

Sally took the courageous step this year to give up full-time employment, so she could concentrate 100 per cent on her work with HHA, being paid nothing for the first two months and now taking home just a 10-hoursa-week salary.

This is just one example of Sally being selfless and bringing cheer and happiness to those around her.

In 2016, HHA achieved the status of being entirely run by local

Cambodians, and Sally returned to Australia, her heart brimming.

She is truly a Christmas hero and her generosity has helped so many people around the world.

Sally and some of the children she has helped

Sally was nominated to be one of the 10 Outstanding Young Persons of the World