Member for Murray Helen Dalton has received the 2025 Uniting Political Courage Award at the Harry Herbert Oration in Sydney.

This award recognises political leaders who show integrity, principle, and a commitment to social justice – even when it’s not the easy path.

She was recognised for her work on gambling reform – an issue that has harmed too many regional families for too long.

“I’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by poker machines and gambling addiction in our towns, and I’ve never been willing to stay silent about it.

“Standing up for fairness and social justice isn’t always easy, but it’s always the right thing to do.

“I want to thank Uniting NSW.ACT for this recognition and share it with every regional Australian who’s spoken out for what’s right, even when it was hard.”

The Uniting Political Courage Award is presented by Uniting NSW.ACT to Australian political leaders who demonstrate integrity, principle and a commitment to social justice - especially when the stakes are high.

“We want to recognise and celebrate political leaders who refuse to stay silent, who stand up for social justice and fairness and live out Uniting’s core values, even when it costs them personally or professionally,” Emma Maiden, Uniting NSW/ACT’s director external relations said.

“That’s why we chose Helen – she’s shown the conviction and compassion this award celebrates,” Emma said.

“Helen was selected in recognition of her bold and principled leadership on gambling reform. Since her election in 2019 as the Member for Murray, Helen has consistently stood with regional communities harmed by poker machines and gambling addiction.

“She demonstrated great courage during the 2023 state election campaign, declaring that gambling had reached “excessively high levels” and committing to reform despite pressure from vested interests.

Over 150 nominations by members of the public were received, with a diverse range of brave individuals from across the political spectrum.

Mrs Dalton said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive the Uniting Political Courage Award. Standing up for fairness and social justice isn’t always easy, but it’s always the right thing to do.”

The Uniting Political Courage Award is inspired by the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award® (named after JFK’s 1956 book profiling 8 US senators who risked their careers for the greater good) which honours elected officials who act with bravery and integrity in embracing unpopular positions, often in opposition to pressure from constituents, political parties, or other external interests.