The award recognises outstanding achievement by a young leader taking action in environmental and community initiatives that involve youth and benefit communities.

Chairperson of Horsham’s Tidy Towns Committee Gillian Vanderwaal said Dalton had shown a strong interest in volunteering for the community, particularly his work with the animal nursery at the Horsham Show.

“By the age of 14, Dalton was managing the nursery with help from his mentors. In 2015, he took on the role of vice-president of the Horsham Agricultural Society and in 2016 became the youngest president in the society’s 140-year history at the age of 22,” she said.

“Dalton and his committee have worked very hard to revitalise the show and introduce new and innovative changes. In 2015, the event saw a massive 90 per cent increase in patronage.” 

Dalton is an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church at Vectis, near Horsham, where he is a member of the hall property committee and participates in various community working bees. Dalton also volunteers with the Noradjuha-Quantong Football Club.