North Coast Steamship Network
Security Services
"The vessel has changed. The trust has not."
— Jon Burton, 1973
Electronic Security Systems
Design, installation and maintenance of commercial security systems
Cash-in-Transit & Valuables
Secure transport of cash and valuables across the Mid North Coast
Security Risk Management
Consulting and assessment services for businesses and infrastructure
137 Years of Continuous Operation
North Coast Steamship Network has operated on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales for 137 years. Founded as a river freight and steamship company in 1887 by William Hamilton, the business was acquired in 1971 by Jon Burton—a former Captain in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport.
Burton's military instincts and deep knowledge of asset protection led to a decisive pivot into security services within two years of ownership. His vision transformed a regional freight operator into the Mid North Coast's most trusted security provider.
Years in Operation
Continuous service since 1887
Years in Security
Professional security since 1973
Generation Ownership
Burton family legacy
From Steamships to Security
A timeline of adaptation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Mid North Coast community.
1887 · Founding
William Hamilton Founds the Company
William Hamilton registers the North Coast Steamship Network on 14 March 1887, acquiring the river steamer SS Hastings Belle and launching his first cargo run of cedar timber from the Hastings Valley to Sydney.
1929 · Crisis
The Great Hastings River Flood
The catastrophic 1929 floods destroy the founding vessel and riverside warehouse. Thomas Hamilton rebuilds through insurance and government relief, diversifying into road freight. The experience forges the company's instinct for adaptation.
1971 · Pivot
Jon Burton Takes Ownership
Former Australian Army Captain Jon Burton purchases the business for £42,000. A career logistics officer who served in Vietnam, Burton sees a gap in the market—the Mid North Coast has no professional security presence.
1973 · Security
"The Vessel Has Changed. The Trust Has Not."
Burton formally establishes the security division and converts two freight vehicles into the region's first cash-in-transit units. The last freight truck is sold in 1977. North Coast Steamship Network is now, permanently, a security company.
1980s · Technology
Early Adoption of Electronic Security
Burton embraces CCTV and alarm technology before almost any comparable regional operator. By 1987 the company is installing and monitoring electronic systems for businesses and government offices across the Mid North Coast.
1997 · Second Generation
Michael Burton
Jon Burton hands control to his son Michael, who expands the CIT network and launches formal security risk management consulting in 2005. Annual turnover surpasses $2 million.
2019 · Third Generation
Sarah Burton
Jon's granddaughter Sarah returns from a decade in Sydney corporate security to become Managing Director. She modernises the technology platform and expands risk management consulting.
Three Focused Disciplines
Over fifty years of regional security practice. The depth of knowledge no national operator can bring to the Mid North Coast.
01 · Electronic Security Systems
Design, supply, installation and maintenance of electronic security systems for commercial, industrial and government clients.
- CCTV system design & installation
- Commercial alarm systems
- Access control solutions
- 24/7 monitoring services
02 · Cash-in-Transit & Valuables
Our CIT division has operated continuously since Jon Burton converted the company's first freight vehicles in 1973.
- Scheduled & on-demand CIT runs
- Retail & hospitality cash collection
- Secure valuables transport
- ATM servicing
03 · Security Risk Management
Consulting and risk assessment services for businesses, events and infrastructure projects. Introduced formally in 2003.
- Site & premises security risk assessment
- Security management plans
- Event security consulting
- Infrastructure protection
Our Commitment
When we accept a security brief, we accept responsibility. That is not a commercial arrangement—it is an obligation. We do not take it lightly. The Mid North Coast is our home, and its businesses are our neighbours. That changes how we work.
Our Approach
We assess your situation before we offer a solution. Jon Burton's first security job in 1972 was an assessment, not a sale. That ethos has never changed. Pragmatic before prescriptive. Disciplined by design.
We Answer the Phone. We Always Have.
No call centres. No automated queues. A member of our team responds within one business day.
Protection is a Promise
When we accept a security brief, we accept responsibility—not a commercial arrangement.
Rooted in Region
The Mid North Coast is not a territory we service. It is our home.
Pragmatic Before Prescriptive
We assess your situation before we offer a solution. We do not sell products.
Disciplined by Design
The military standard Jon Burton brought to this business in 1971 has never left it.
Primary Service Area
Port Macquarie · Kempsey · Nambucca Heads · Hastings Valley · Coffs Harbour · Taree · Wauchope
24hr Ops: 0415 584934
Email: NCSNLTD@proton.me