I love this time of year. Not only do I get two weeks off (The Newsport does not stop in my absence - hard to believe I know), but we get the opportunity to reflect on what events have shaped our region in 2012.

While this year has come and gone in a flash, looking back on the most read news articles of 2012 brings back memories that seem from a life time ago.

One of our very first stories of the year was in fact one of our most controversial and stirred such debate from people all around Australia we were forced to close off our popular Have Your Say section under the sheer volume of comments that came flowing in.

The article was 'Immunisation: Should parents choose?' (11 January 2012) and the reader comments were passionate on both sides of the argument.

We welcomed a group of 30 bright students from the Melbourne Business School who presented us with an insightful report on the challenges Port Douglas faces, and gave us a path forward.

Our MBS Clock on The Newsport home page continues to tick as a reminder to our leaders to spring into action and find a 'Shared vision, One voice.'

Palm trees, Good Friday trading, big game fishing, and the loss of a great mate in Ian 'Chisel' McCormack also touched our hearts, and while we marvelled at the eclipse which brought our region to a stand still, the race that stops the nation could not be bested.

Just as we thought we could ease into the New Year, the announcement of a referendum to decide the future of Douglas was made, ensuring 2013 will not be a year without its controversy and debate.

In sport a personal highlight for the year was seeing the Douglas United Football Club bring home the ultimate prize in their first year back in the Premier League. And for those who haven't seen the video yet, you're missing out on what had to be the best goal scored anywhere in Australia - ever! Check out our Featured Videos page to see the action.

Our Best Photo Competition entrants amazed us with their eye for detail on a micro and macro scale. What an incredible gallery of images they've created over the years, and the rewards for their efforts are growing as well thanks to the local businesses who have made the competition the best in the region.

The Newsport would like to thank each of our valued contributors who bring you all the action from our local sports clubs, and enthralling feature articles on a daily basis.

These people have been a big part of the reason why the number of unique visitors to The Newsport in 2012 has grown by almost 80 per cent on last year, and with their help, why we'll continue to bring you regional news when you need it and wherever you are - from Mossman to Mongolia, Newell to New York, Port Douglas to Port-au-Prince and everywhere in between.

Lastly, thanks to you, the reader (and our advertisers of course) who continues to support independent media. Your interaction, whether it be via our Have Your Say section on our articles, online polls, Letters to the Editor, and even our Facebook page is what keeps us motivated to bring you stories we think are relevant to you.

Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year, and keep coming back over the coming days - there's always something new on The Newsport!