The former Bicheno resident and Cataract on Paterson front-of-house staff member was honoured for her professionalism on the job but remains firm that her win was a team effort.

Yesterday, the 21-year-old admitted she loved the industry and the people she worked with.

"It still doesn't feel real," Ms McDonald said.

"I'm very honoured and extremely grateful that my boss Karen Burbury nominated me."

Ms McDonald was picked from four other finalists for the award and was part of a long list of Northern hospitality award winners, mostly businesses.

Having started in hospitality at age 13, Ms McDonald said she had no intention of stopping now, despite balancing her studies at the Australian Maritime College with her work career.

"I'm in my second year of a bachelor of applied sciences in marine environment and I have been working here [Cataract on Paterson] for just over a year," she said.

"I just love keeping busy and interacting with the people who come in. It's amazing some of the stories people from across the world tell you."