NEWSPORT Journalist Mark Murray took out the Best General News Story for Journalism at the Queensland Multi Media Awards on Saturday night.

Murray received the top honour for his heartfelt piece on helicopter crash survivor Danny Gray, who beat overwhelming odds earlier this year when his chopper went down in the waters near Cape Tribulation. Gray not only withstood the impact of the smash, but a harrowing swim to safety in shark, jellyfish and crocodile infested waters.

“This was an amazing story of survival, beautifully told by Mark,” the judges said at a packed statewide ceremony at The Reef Hotel Casino.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• MEDIA AWARDS: Port Douglas Magazine and Newsport journalist nominated for top gongs
• Mates final sacrifice saved Danny's life

Murray was ‘humbled and honoured’ to win the award, and was quick to pay tribute to his colleagues in Port Douglas.

“We’ve got a great team at Newsport and this is as much a reflection on them as it is on me,” he said.

“But the biggest thanks has to go to Danny for allowing me to share his incredible story."

Read the FULL STORY here

The PORT DOUGLAS Magazine was also a finalist at the media awards in the Best Non-Daily Publication for Tourism category.