Do It In Douglas

04/06/2026

The Business Ready Together program is live and it's not too late to register!

Business Ready Together is an online business resilience program aimed at supporting local businesses to better prepare for disruptions. It helps business owners take simple practical steps to strengthen their preparedness and resilience. This makes it easier to respond to disruptions like severe weather, supply disruptions and staffing challenges.

Click the link below to sign up. Enter the code DS26.

https://learn.resilientready.org/courses/douglas-shire-qld/

20/05/2026

07/05/2026

Time is running out to register for the chance to win big and have some fun at the Carnivale Street Parade!

REGISTER NOW! https://www.carnivale.com.au/street-parade-float-registration/

05/05/2026

Douglas small businesses – recovery support is available

If your business is still feeling the impacts of recent disaster events, you may be eligible for funding through the Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program, now open.

Who it’s for: Small businesses in Douglas Shire significantly disrupted by severe weather events between 24 December 2025 to 24 April 2026, including the impacts of the loss of the Daintree Ferry.

What it supports:
• Wages and salaries
• Rent or rates for business premises
• Replacement of damaged or lost stock
• Marketing

Applications close: 5pm, 5 May 2027 (or earlier if funds are exhausted)

This is a competitive grant, so eligible businesses are encouraged to apply early. Funding is for extraordinary costs directly related to disaster impacts and recovery.

Check your eligibility and read the guidelines here:

You may be eligible for financial assistance if your small business was impacted during the 2025 Queensland Monsoon Trough.

01/05/2026

Welcome to Queensland Small Business Month

Have you registered for this free, practical Business Ready Together Program? Register now on line or come and meet us at any of the sessions. Real information for real challenges.

22/04/2026

Get Business Ready Together!
Register now for this free, 10 x 5 minute on-line program to build business resilience.

Queensland Small Business Month: In Person Support + Free Online Program

This Business Month, Douglas Shire Council is encouraging all local businesses to take part in the Business Ready Together – Douglas Shire program.

In person Business Ready Together sessions are a chance to:
• Gain practical, real world advice
• Ask questions about your business challenges
• Learn how the Business Ready Together program works
• Get help signing up on the spot

Business Ready Together – FREE online program includes
• 10 x 5 minute online modules
• Practical tools and worksheets
• Online check ins + community sessions
• 12 months access (until May 2027)
• Short. Practical. Free.

Attend a session, do the program online — or both. The goal is for every local business to be Business Ready.

Learn more and start the program now 👇
https://learn.resilientready.org/courses/douglas-shire-qld/

13/04/2026

TTNQ is checking in with industry and we need your input
In partnership with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council - QTIC, Regional Tourism Organisations and industry associations, we have launched the Queensland Industry Pulse Survey to better understand current trading conditions.
The survey takes just 2-3 minutes and captures key insights on bookings, cashflow, cost pressures and business confidence.
Your input will help inform conversations with government, media and decision makers, strengthening our collective advocacy.
We encourage you to take a few moments to have your say 👉 https://ow.ly/LS9X50YFt85

09/04/2026

DOUGLAS SHIRE SURVEY - Recreation and Leisure Needs Assessment survey
Douglas Shire Council is undertaking a Recreation and Leisure Needs Assessment to understand how our community plays, moves and connects — and what will be needed in the future.

Share your ideas ideas through surveys, conversations and pop in sessions. Your feedback will guide long term planning for parks, open spaces, sporting facilities and recreation programs.

What’s Included?
Recreation covers everything from club sports to everyday activities like walking, cycling, playgrounds, skate parks, fitness in the park and informal social games.

Why It Matters
Your input will help Council identify gaps, understand emerging needs and prioritise future investment. While this project won’t deliver new facilities immediately, it sets the direction for staged improvements and future funding opportunities.

Have Your Say
What would you like to see across the shire — from parks and tracks to courts, play spaces and community activities.

Pop-In Sessions at the Port Douglas Markets
• Sunday 19 April 2026
• Sunday 3 May 2026 OR
Complete the survey here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=V1Gfan4gEUet9ugMiVWg4oKxD95QzaJPstQc30maQSZUMkw1N1haMUJDR004MjNKUko2MTIxTE5WRC4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl

04/04/2026

After a long period of limited action, the volunteer business owners that are behind the Douglas Chamber of Commerce are BACK !!

We are aware that the Shire has evolved, people have evolved, and technology has evolved.

We also understand the "concept" of a Chamber of Commerce - may not meet the needs of the Shire moving forward - so are open to any and all submissions on how to build an advocacy and collaborative organisation that will support the needs of business moving forward - Change is good !

We are calling an Emergency General Meeting for 14th April, where we call on all business owners and leaders across the Shire to attend, either in person or virtually, or if you cannot attend in person, by written submission to [email protected], and answer the following 3 questions;

With the future in mind;

1. What role (if any) do you see for a Business Advocacy Group in the Douglas Shire.

2. What key challenges does your business face at present, and moving forward towards the end of 2026.

3. What level of participation can you commit to in engaging with the new Advocacy Group - remembering we can utilise technology to streamline workloads and facilitate meetings virtually - so everyone can contribute.

Watch out for notices in Newsport and Facebook and Instagram next week.

Lets rebuild stronger together

02/04/2026