Local radio personality Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy is on a mission to get visitors to ‘Do It In Douglas’ when he heads to the Cassowary Coast this weekend to promote the Douglas region.

The popular Port Douglas-based Fab FM presenter, known for the ‘Gazza Challenge’, is taking a swag of holiday specials with him, to be won by our southern neighbours, in an effort to bring them north.

Gazza said he has been blown away by the support from local businesses who have provided many of the prizes on offer, including meal and shop vouchers, boat trips, bike hire, wildlife and crocodile adventures, tropical wine, and Indigenous Art from Mossman Gorge.

“The support from businesses in the Douglas Shire has been outstanding, especially considering that many have been doing it tough in recent months,’ he said.

“Hopefully these challenges will increase awareness with our neighbours on the Cassowary Coast, of how special a visit can be to our beautiful shire, either for the day, the weekend or longer.”

Gazza will conduct a number of challenges over the weekend in Mission Beach, Tully, Cardwell, Innisfail, and Babinda.

“Each Gazza Challenge will involve lots of water, balloons, wigs, diving flippers, a game of mini cricket, golf, plastic rifle shooting, pool toys and much more,” he said.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the ‘Gazza Douglas Challenge’ was a great example of local businesses working together to add resilience to the economy.

“Through the Buy Douglas: Build Douglas campaign we have seen some really fantastic collaboration between businesses and this initiative shows that spirit is continuing,” he said.

Gazza would like to thank the following businesses for supporting the initiative:

• Port Douglas District Combined Clubs
• Jungle Road Clothing
• Cignall Mossman
• Mossman Gorge
• Mocka’s Pies
• Choo Choos at the Marina
• Lady Douglas Boat Cruise
• Shaolin Port Douglas
• Nothing Over $22 Shop
• Café Fresq
• Shannonvale Winery
• Marano’s Fuel
• Hook-A- Barra
• Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
• Wildlife Habitat
• Bike Shop & Hire Port Douglas

“Also, thanks to Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, FAB FM and Newsport,” Gazza said.