The history of the Kingscliff Coast Guard

The Kingscliff coast guard service was originally established in 1982 as Kingscliff Radio Watch, founded by the late George Bonnett, a keen fisherman with a radio background.

It became a unit of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guards in 1985, covering an area from Tweed Heads to Pottsville.

The Kingscliff unit was initially based in the tower building, until its members build the training building in 2007.

However, the group disbanded last year voting against joining Marine Rescue NSW, which was formed as a single integrated service comprising other Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Units in NSW, the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol and the Volunteer Rescue Association's maritime fleet.

Members of the Kingscliff unit felt the new organisation was counter to the 'spirit' of volunteer service, and they chose instead to remain part of Coast Guards as the last remaining Flotilla Unit in NSW.

However, the unit was no longer viable after its accreditations and funding sources were removed because it was not part of Marine Rescue NSW.

The Kingscliff Coast Guard Unit provided a wonderful service for the boating community for many years and Council wants to make the best possible use of the building.

Click here to read more about the history of the Kingscliff Coast Guard.