The 2014 Douglas Business Awards have lived up to the prediction that they would be the biggest ever, with 250 attendees packing out the Sheraton Mirage’s Glade Pavilion to celebrate the achievements of the Douglas business community over the past 12 months. 

The night was a who’s who of Douglas economic leaders, with representatives from just about every major hotel, restaurant and tour company rubbing shoulders will smaller operators and sole traders. 

Records for the size and scope of the awards tumbled this year, with 38,468 customer votes for 1171 nominations across 45 business categories. 

QT Port Douglas picked up Best Resort Accommodation over 40 Rooms, with The Wildlife Habitat being awarded Best Tourist Attraction. 

Harrisons Port Douglas received Best Restaurant while the Editor’s Award for Excellence went to firefighter Clayton ‘Ditch’ Vladich from the Port Douglas Station for his extensive community and charity work. 

Douglas Shire Council mayor Julia Leu joined Newsport Publishing’s Sam Cullen and Roy Weavers as speakers for the night along with many other leaders of the Douglas business community.

“We are humbled by the award but it’s definitely displayed with a lot of pride in our front office now.

“I think the Awards, from our perspective, make you really feel part of the community - we have so many businesses here in the Douglas area doing so much that don’t always have the resources to get themselves noticed on a state or a regional scale. Having these local awards really brings us together, plus it’s just such a fantastic night, I had a ball.”

Newsport Publishing managing director Sam Cullen thanked all sponsors of the Business Awards, including major sponsors Mackay Sugar, Sheraton Mirage, Staging Connections, Wine Divas and Bolton Print. 

“It’s been fantastic to see such a huge turnout to the awards this year, and equally fantastic to see the customers and clients getting so involved and making their picks known,” Mr Cullen said. 

“I believe we have a thriving and competitive business community in Douglas Shire and the work that the operators of these businesses put in is really worthy of recognition. 

“I’d like to say congratulations to all the winners and nominees, a heartfelt thanks to our sponsors without whom this event wouldn’t be possible and also to all the staff at the Newsport.”

Mr Cullen also complimented the staff of both the Sheraton and Staging Connections in executing an 'awesome and flawless' gala dinner and celebration. 

See Newsport's huge socials gallery from the night here.

Full results of the 2014 Douglas Business Awards:

Best Restaruant: Harrisons Port Douglas

Best Takeway: Daves Takeaway

Best Breakfast: Cafe Fresq

Best Coffee: Whileaway Coffee and Bookshop

Best Restaurant Service: Little Larder

Best Reef / Sailing Tour: Sailaway Low Isles

Best Rainforest / River Tour: Tony’s Tropical Tours

Best Tourist Attraction: The Wildlife Habitat

Best Tour Guide: Dave Mainwaring from Daintree Wonder Tours

Best Fishing Charters:  Trinity Sportsfishing

Best Transport / Airport Transfer Operator:  Exemplar Coaches and Limousines

Best Transport Hire Company: Port Douglas Bike Hire

Best Visitor Information Service: Scuba Dave

Best Apartment Accommodation under 40 rooms: Macrossan House Boutique Apartments

Best Resort Accommodation over 40 rooms: QT Port Douglas

Best Luxury Accommodation: Niramaya Villas and Spa

Best Low-Cost Accommodation: Dougie’s Backpackers

Best Holiday Letting Agency: The Boutique Collection

Best Fashion Retailer: Rose and Boy

Best Giftware: With Sugar

Best Food Store: Coles Port Douglas

Best Customer Retail Service: Lifeline Pharmacy

Best Wedding Photographer: Perrin Clarke

Best Wedding Celebrant: Natasha Kollosche

Best Wedding Planner - Business: The Wedding Lounge

Best Wedding Planner - Individual: Bec McLean

Best Spa Experience: Exclusive Spa at Peppers

Best Masseuse: Lizzy at Wellness @ Port

Best Beauty Therapist: Cathy Taylor from Exclusive Spa at Peppers

Best Health Treatment: Skin Scene

Best Hair and Makep: Savvy Hair

Best Local Live Entertainers: Timber and Wood

Best Entertainment Venue: Courthouse Hotel

Best Annual Event: Port Douglas Carnivale

Best Regular Local Event: Daintree Station Friday Nights

Favourite Sporting Team: Port Douglas Crocs AFL Seniors

Best Real Estate Sales Agent: Travis Schumacher from Raine and Horne

Best Real Estate Business: The Pink Company Port Douglas

Best Rental Property Agent: Lars Pedersen at Ray White Real Estate

Best Rental Property Business: Raine and Horne Port Douglas and Mossman

Best Tradie: Sy Dolphin

Best Trade Services Company: Papillon Landscapes

Best Trade Supplier Company: Mossman Hardware

Best Qualified Practitioner: Martin Tranter from Bolt, Burchill and Tranter

Best Qualified Practice / Company: Port Douglas Medical Centre