History MR Ballina

Coast Guard Ballina – 1977

Coast Guard Ballina was officially established on 17 August 1977, following community efforts led by Tony Hart and a dedicated founding committee. The unit quickly became a vital part of marine safety operations on the Richmond River and along the coastline from Byron Bay to Evans Head.

In the early years, the flotilla operated from a shared facility with SES at Shaws Bay before relocating to a caravan station at the northern breakwater for better oversight of the dangerous river bar. A major step forward came in 1984 with the opening of a purpose-built observation tower—designed and built with overwhelming local support. This iconic “wine glass” structure served for decades despite eventually becoming unstable due to shifting river sands.

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Ballina Coast Guard focused on training, inter-flotilla support, and improving communications infrastructure. Equipment upgrades, including radar and radio direction finders, were made possible through tireless fundraising and community donations.

In 1990, Ballina was formally recognised as a Category 1 Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre by the State Rescue and Emergency Services Board—affirming the professionalism and capability of its operations.

The acquisition and restoration of its first owned rescue vessel, Dolphin, in 1987 marked a new phase of readiness. Despite setbacks—including the eventual demolition of the leaning observation tower in 2008—the Coast Guard remained active and resilient, driven by volunteers and community support.

Today, Coast Guard Ballina continues to uphold its proud legacy, committed to saving lives on the water and ensuring safe boating for all who navigate the Richmond River and the Northern NSW coastline.

Marine Rescue Ballina 2010

Marine Rescue Ballina officially began operations on 1 January 2010, as part of the newly established Marine Rescue NSW—a not-for-profit, community-based organisation formed through the amalgamation of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and the Volunteer Rescue Association’s marine division.

While the transition introduced new operational structures and administrative oversight, the Ballina unit retained its strong foundation built on decades of local maritime experience. Volunteers quickly adapted, maintaining their vital role in coastal safety across the Richmond River and surrounding waters.

A major focus remained the long-standing goal of building a modern search and rescue base. Despite setbacks, including unfulfilled government funding promises and rejected grant applications, the unit persisted with widespread community backing. A 2014 petition gathered more than 5,000 signatures, demonstrating strong public support for the project.

In 2015, after sustained advocacy from local leaders and volunteers, funding was secured through the NSW Government following the election of Tamara Smith MP. This enabled the planning and construction of a purpose-built Marine Rescue Centre, designed by Dominic Finlay Jones Architects, to replace the ageing and unstable former tower.

Today, Marine Rescue Ballina continues to serve as a critical asset to Northern NSW’s marine safety network—manned by skilled volunteers, supported by the community, and operating with modern infrastructure to meet the region’s growing maritime needs.