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Byron Shire
July 15, 2026

New leader announced for Marine Rescue Northern Rivers

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Marine Rescue NSW Northern Zone Commander Darren Hulm (L) and new Northern Rivers Regional Director Keith Smith (R) (photo supplied)

Former Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit Commander, Keith Smith, has been elected unopposed as the new Northern Rivers Regional Director for Marine Rescue NSW.

The announcement comes after last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting in Cronulla, where Darcy Henriksen stood down from the role.

Marine Rescue New South Wales Chair, Nola Watson, said in the announcement that Mr Henrikson had been the regional director for six years, bringing commitment, professionalism and genuine care for his fellow volunteers to the Board.

Mr Henrikson volunteered for seventeen years at Marine Rescue Point Danger in the Tweed Shire.

New Regional Director Keith Smith started volunteering in search and rescue in the early 1990s and joined Marine Rescue Point Danger in 2019.

Marine Rescue said Mr Smith had more than 30 years of combined maritime and corporate leadership experience, including as managing director of a national sales corporation and senior executive roles across the transport and logistics sector.

‘It’s a privilege to represent the dedicated volunteers of the Northern Rivers,’ Mr Smith said, ‘and I am committed to supporting them as they continue their vital work saving lives on the water’.

Mr Smith is a member of the Institute of Community Directors.



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Byron Shire Rebels men’s XV vs Lismore on Ladies Day

The Rebels men’s XV made the trip to Lismore Rugby Park on Ladies Day and delivered a commanding 38-17 victory.

Tennis comp returns to Northern Rivers at Mullum and Bangalow

One of the Northern Rivers’ biggest tennis events is set to return later this month, with the 2026 Mullumbimby Community Open taking place on Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 July across Mullumbimby and Bangalow tennis clubs.

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Failed musician Joe arrives home from work to discover his stay-at-home wife Angela has invited their upstairs neighbours, divorcee Pína and her partner, widower Hawk, over for dinner at their apartment.

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