Entering the 2010 CountryLink North Coast Tourism Awards for the very first time, which included areas within the mid north coast and the newly incorporated northern rivers, the Ryan’s were up against stiff opposition.

Valley of the Mist operator Dennis Ryan said about 300 people attended the ceremony dinner last month, and he was absolutely chuffed to have beaten some of the million dollar resorts and ‘big spinners’ in the area.

Mr Ryan said this would provide recognition of the region’s ecotourism, and he hoped it would make people aware of what the Valley had to offer.

Encouragement to enter the competition, 21 years since its establishment, came from Nambucca Shire Council Manager of Business Development Wayne Lowe and Nambucca Valley Tourism Officer Libby Foster.

Paperwork was half of the submission Mr Ryan said, and not knowing how to woo the judges, he and Marilyn had put their heart into it.

“I’ve been encouraged by Tourism NSW to not change a thing and enter again next year,” he said.

“We just need to work on the presentation”.

Mr Ryan encouraged other businesses within the shire to enter, “it sharpens you up”.

The Nambucca Valley Visitor Information Centre and Marcel Tower Holiday Apartments reached the finals also, but were unsuccessful in obtaining an award.