Marine Rescue NSW appoints new Northern Rivers Regional Director
Marine Rescue NSW has announced the election of a new Northern Rivers Regional Director, following the decision by Darcy Henriksen to stand down from the role at last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting in Cronulla. Former Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit Commander, Keith Smith, was elected unopposed.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair, Nola Watson, thanked Mr Henriksen for his outstanding service and leadership.
“Darcy has brought commitment, professionalism and genuine care for his fellow volunteers to the Board throughout his six years as Regional Director,” Watson said.
“He has made a remarkable contribution to Marine Rescue NSW, and his 17 years of volunteer service at Marine Rescue Point Danger is testament to his dedication to community safety.
“On behalf of our 3,500 volunteers, I thank Darcy for his steadfast leadership and the significant legacy he leaves.”
Image: Darcy Henriksen and Marine Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Todd Andrews
Watson said the Board was pleased to welcome Mr Smith to the position.
“Keith brings extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of the needs of volunteers across the Northern Rivers,” she said.
“His decades of service, both in maritime search and rescue and in senior corporate roles, have equipped him with the insight and capability needed to support our units in a growing and dynamic region. We look forward to the knowledge, energy and strategic perspective he will bring to the Board.”
Mr Smith first began volunteering in search and rescue in the early 1990s. Before joining Marine Rescue NSW, he served as a volunteer radio operator and boat crew member with the Point Danger Air Sea Rescue Service from 1991 to 1993. That Service became Marine Rescue Point Danger in 2009 with Smith joining the unit in 2019. Since then he has contributed across a broad range of leadership, training and administrative roles, including Unit Commander (2021–2024) and Training Officer (2022–2025).
He brings 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.
Image: Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteers (L to R) Paul Rockall, Guy Youngblutt, Yvonne Wawrzyniak, Aaron Ashely, Keith Smith and Diane Power
Mr Smith said he was honoured to take on the role of Northern Rivers Regional Director.
“It’s a privilege to represent the dedicated volunteers of the Northern Rivers, 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 and is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Board and unit leadership teams.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and I’m excited to contribute to the ongoing development of Marine Rescue NSW. Together, we can strengthen our capability, support our volunteers and continue delivering an outstanding service to the boating community,” he said.