The Daintree Discovery Centre is widely recognised as a tourism leader in Far North Queensland, winning the prestigious “Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award” at the Queensland Tourism Awards 2007, the coveted Tropical North Queensland Tourism Award for Ecotourism 2004 – 2007 and will next year be inducted into the TNQ Tourism Awards Hall of Fame. However, their prowess doesn’t stop there. As winner of the revered 2005 Telstra Queensland Small Business of the Year, the Discovery Centre has established a benchmark for small business throughout Australia.

With their democratic approach to management everyone is encouraged to participate in the running of the Centre. All staff have designated areas of responsibility and are empowered to make decisions. The DDC team (both permanents and casuals) look after day to day operations and are rewarded for their efforts by sharing in the profits.

But there is more . . . The spectacular Aerial Walkway and new entrance building won the Queensland Master Builder’s Award for the best Tourism and Hospitality Facility Under $2mill. And the Centre was voted the Best Small Business Employer of the Year at the Regional Training Awards.

When asked the secret of their success, Directors, Pam and Ron Birkett said that they put great store in team work and both individual and collective ideas are encouraged. They tend to ‘work on the business, rather than in the business’. That way they can focus on what they do best and everyone gets maximum job satisfaction out of being a valued member of the team.

Winner 2007 Queensland Tourism Awards - Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award	Winner 2004-07 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards - Ecotourism	Winner 2007 Douglas Shire Council Developing Sustainable Communities Award - Places of Visitation
Winner 2005 North Queensland Employer Of The Year Award	Winner 2005 Telstra Queensland Small Business Of The Year - MYOB Award	State Winner 2005 Telstra Queensland Small Business Of The Year
Winner 2004 QMBA Awards - Tourism & Hospitality Facility (FNQ)	Winner 2004 Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards - Most Outstanding Submission