That’s the reason Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton has given when confirming she will be seeking re-election at the next NSW Government election.
And chief among the issues she wants to champion are water and health needs.
Ms Dalton said she remains committed to securing better outcomes for the electorate and believes there is more work ahead despite significant achievements during her time in parliament.
“We certainly have put Murray on the map, but there's so much more to be done, and so I'm determined not to lose the momentum.”
Ms Dalton said she still had “plenty of fire in the belly” and was focused on delivering practical outcomes rather than party politics.
“All I care about is making today better than yesterday, for every single person in the electorate.
“I think I've got a lot of fight left in me, and I won't back down until we get what's best for Murray.”
Water security remains at the top of her priorities, with Ms Dalton describing it as the issue raised most often by constituents.
“Everywhere I go, it's water. We're nothing without water. This is what we are.”
She said frustrations continued over water policy and allocations, particularly as irrigators face restrictions despite available water in storages.
Ms Dalton said local producers were among the most efficient in the world but were being held back by government policy.
“We've got the smartest irrigators in the world - they know their stuff - and we've got all the bells and whistles in our paddocks to make every drop count.
“And yet, it's like having a Ferrari, and we've got no fuel to put in the Ferrari.”
The ongoing push for a split from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District will also be a key election issue.
After tabling more than 10,000 signatures in parliament, Ms Dalton said she would continue campaigning for greater local control over health services, arguing regional communities deserve a stronger voice in decision-making.
“No one is going to come and live in the bush if our health system is failing.”
Ms Dalton said Murray had secured billions of dollars in investment during her tenure, but insisted the job was far from finished.
“I still haven't given up on having a new hospital at Deniliquin. I think we're high on the list.”
Looking ahead to the election, which is expected to be held March 13, 2027, Ms Dalton acknowledged competition could intensify, particularly if minor parties enter the contest.
But she encouraged voters to focus on candidates' records rather than party brands.
“People just have to look at the candidate and say, ‘Is this person going to represent me well? Are they going to work for us and not their own political gain?’.”
The NSW Nationals have reportedly stated they will challenge Ms Dalton for the seat, but are yet to announce a candidate.
It is anticipated a preselection process will be completed in December.
One Nation has also indicated it intends to run candidates across NSW, and leader Pauline Hanson has foreshadowed candidates in every seat, but there has been no publicly announced One Nation candidate for Murray at this stage.
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