Let it be said that the 2015 Douglas Business & Tourism Awards have succeeded in out-doing themselves for yet another year.

The spectacular venue was hosted by the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas in their Glade Pavilion and over 250 guests celebrated in style with Douglas businesses and tourism operators to recognise another year of success and achievements.

PHOTO GALLERY

Newsport Facebook Album - The Red Carpet

Newsport Facebook Album - Award Presentations

With 47 categories and six special awards presented to Douglas businesses, the gala evening was attended by one of the most diverse range business operators from the Douglas region.

Douglas Chamber of Commerce President Helen De Ross said it is a great opportunity for businesses to network.

“Business people can meet others they haven’t had a chance to catch up with during the year.

“A key theme of the Business Forum earlier this month was “collaboration” and building relationships with other businesses is essential.  The Business Awards provides this opportunity.  It is also a celebration of our hard working business community,” said Ms De Ross.

Based purely on customer votes, Douglas Business & Tourism Awards co-ordinator and Newsport Publishing managing director Mr Sam Cullen said the Douglas business region should be proud to have received so many customer votes.

“It is a testament to the quality of service and product delivery in the region.

“Newsport would like to thank its key partners in helping stage the annual program and awards evening, Mackay Sugar, Sheraton Mirage Resort and Staging Connections,” said Mr Cullen.

Mayor Julia Leu said it is an opportunity for businesses to encourage each other’s achievements.

“The Douglas Business and Tourism Awards are an excellent opportunity for the local business community to get together and encourage each other’s achievements at the end of what has generally been a hugely successful tourism season.

“With the public who voted ultimately the judging panel, it’s fabulous for all of the finalists to be recognised for their efforts in providing a quality service and experience to their customers,” said Mayor Leu.

Six special awards where also presented on the evening and Newsport caught up with some of the recipients to find out what it meant to them to be recognised in these special categories.

Special award recipient Mr Arthur Timms received the Editors Award for Excellence.

Daughter Sharon Timms, PR & Events Co-Ordinator at QT Resorts Port Douglas was happy to accept the award on her Dad’s behalf.

“Dad has expressed his pride in being part of this wonderful community, and subsequently what an honour is it to be recognised for this award. He’s seen a few changes in his time, and is so proud to call this wonderful town home.

He isn’t kidding about being busier in retirement though.  Between veggie gardens, grand-daughters and Daphne (his wife, my mama) having a list of house jobs 30 years in the making, he’s thinking about starting up practicing again for a holiday,” said proud daughter Ms Timms.

Bodies in Motion Dance School owner Saskia Turner was honoured to receive the Douglas Young Achiever’s Award. Intermission entertainment at the awards was proudly supplied by Ms Turner’s students showcasing the amazing talent the school has to offer.

“It feels great to receive recognition for all of my hard work, although I can hardly call it work when I get to do what I love everyday. Taking over a business at 21yrs old was definitely a scary step to take, but one I wouldn't change for the world! 

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me; my students, family, friends and the local community for believing in me and my vision for Bodies in Motion and dance in the Douglas Shire,” said an excited Ms Turner.

The Clink Theatre has come a long way over the years and that has been recognised in particular over recent years. President Michael Kerr has been recognised as achieving great things for the venue and was presented with the Diane Cilento Award for Excellence in Art.

“I was totally taken back and humbled for this wonderful presentation. From the amazing words that Michael Gabour spoke to introduce it and the standing ovation it was all so overwhelming. 

“It takes more than just me to make it all happen though and I really would like to thank some people. Without the help of Alteouise, Siobhan and Saskia we could have never got Annie off the ground and have made it such a success.

“The businesses that have supported us Autopro Mossman, Exemplar Transport, QT, Sheraton Mirage, Radio Port Douglas, Newsport, The Gazette, NQPS, Port Douglas Secondhand Shop, The Reef Marina, Bendigo Bank and Mossman Hardware. Thank you to the Douglas Shire Council who since deamalgamation have given the theatre so much support.

“I have to thank Jason for all his support and thank you to everyone who has helped the theatre, all the volunteers, the production casts and every customer that has come to the theatre to see one of our shows. I truly believe that this is the start of wonderful things to come for the Clink theatre,” said a humble Mr Kerr.

(Newsport contacted other Special Award recipients Wildlife Habitat, Cathie Jones and The Reef Marina for comment)

Below are the final results.  The photo gallery for the Red Carpet & Award Recipient Facebook album links are also below.

(If you were an award recipient and your photo is not displayed, please feel free to contact Cassandra Pulver at Newsport and we will be happy to take your photo to add to our gallery.)

PHOTO GALLERY

Newsport Facebook Album - The Red Carpet

Newsport Facebook Album - Award Presentations

Douglas Business & Tourism Awards Final Results for 2015

Restaurants  
Best Restaurant - Salsa Bar & Grill
Best Takeaway - Dave’s Takeaway
Best Breakfast - Betty's Bohemian Beach Cafe
Best Coffee - Origin Espresso
Best Overall Service - Whileaway Book shop and Cafe

Tourism Products
Best Reef / Sailing Tour - Calypso Reef Charters
Best Rainforest / River Tour - Lady Douglas River Cruise
Best Tourist Attraction - Wildlife Habitat
Best Tour Guide - Tony Burke of Tony’s Tropical Tours
Best Fishing Charters - Outrageous Fishing Charters

Tourism Services
Best Transport / Airport Transfer Operator - Exemplar Coaches and Limousines
Best Transport – Local - Adrenalin Shuttle
Best Transport Hire Company - AVIS Car Hire
Best Visitor Information Service - Coral Beach Lodge

Visitor Accommodation 
Best Apartment Accommodation (under 40 rooms) - Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Best Resort Accommodation (over 40 rooms) - Paradise Links Port Douglas
Best Luxury Accommodation - Sheraton Mirage Resort Port Douglas
Best Low Cost Accommodation - Dougies Backpacker Resort
Best Holiday Home or Private Villa (Individual Property) - The Artists' Cottage - Artists' Houses
Best Holiday Letting Agency - Port Douglas Accommodation

Retail
Best Fashion Retailer - Barbarella & Swan
Best Giftware - With Sugar
Best Food Store - Coles Supermarket 
Best Overall Service - Jungle Road

Weddings 
Best Wedding / Event Photographer - Jessie Goetze – Port Douglas Wedding Photography
Best Wedding Celebrant - Sarah Woods
Best Wedding Organiser – Business - Port Douglas Weddings & Hire
Best Wedding / Event Planner – Person - Jade Harold – Port Douglas Weddings & Hire

Beauty Health and Fitness 
Best Spa Experience - wellness@port
Best Masseur / Masseuse - Violaine Pasquier - wellness@port
Best Beauty Therapist - Swan Nguyen 
Best  Health Treatment Experience - Niramaya Spa
Best Hair and Make Up - Jennifer Campbell for Hair

Events and Entertainment 
Best Local Live Entertainers - Shannon Clark
Best Live Entertainment Venue - Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill 
Best Annual Local Event (once a year) - Port Douglas Carnivale 2015 
Best Regular Local Event (daily/weekly/monthly/bi annual) - Port Douglas Sunday Markets
Favourite Local Sporting Team - Douglas United FC - Dragons

Real Estate 
Best Real Estate Sales Agent - Travis Schumacher - Raine & Horne
Best Real Estate Business - The Pink Company Real Estate
Best Rental Property Agent / Person - Jocelyn Schumacher - Raine & Horne
Best Rental Property Agent – Business - Ray White Real Estate

Trades & Services 
Best Tradie - Sy Dolphin – Sy Dolphin Electrical
Best Trade Services Company - Mossman Print
Best Trade Supplier Company - Port Irrigation and Horticultural Supplies

Professional Services 
Best Qualified Practitioner - Individual - Leanne Rake - Ozcare
Best Qualified Practice – Company - Far North Training & Consultancy


Special Awards for  2015
PORT DOUGLAS Magazine's Editors Award for Excellence: Arthur Timms 
Diane Cilento Award for Excellence in Art:  The Clink Theatre - President, Michael Kerr
Douglas Young Achiever's Award: Saskia Turner - Bodies In Motion Dance School
Douglas Innovations & Economic Development Award: The Reef Marina
Douglas Business Person of the Year Award: Cathie Jones - Tropical Journeys
Douglas Business & Tourism Awards Hall of Fame: Wildlife Habitat