We are thrilled to officially welcome Stockland Rockhampton as the 2km race sponsor for the 2025 Yeppoon Running Festival!
As a founding supporter of YRF, Stockland Rockhampton has been championing community wellbeing and active lifestyles since day one. This enduring partnership reflects their deep commitment to creating a vibrant, connected Central Queensland—and this year, they’re going the extra mile (well, two!) to make the 2km race an unforgettable experience for families and first-time runners alike.
“Supporting events that encourage an active lifestyle aligns with our goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers and the broader community,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Centre Manager at Stockland Rockhampton.
From their heartfelt reflections on the festival’s growth to exciting plans for bib collection day on Thursday 24 July 2025, Stockland Rockhampton is pulling out all the stops to help runners and supporters kick off race weekend with energy and excitement.
Their centre is also buzzing with new additions—ALDI, Elite Supps, and Lantern Mart—making it the go-to destination for pre-race groceries, sports nutrition, and more. And with ongoing community initiatives like Gidget House and Our Space, it’s clear their focus extends well beyond retail.
“Whether you’re running your first race, aiming for a personal best, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, you are part of something special,” says Christopher. “Enjoy the experience, embrace the challenge, and most importantly, have fun!”
Join us in thanking Stockland Rockhampton for their continued support—and get ready for an epic 2km celebration that’s fun, festive, and full of heart.
📍 Bib Collection: Thursday 24 July, 4:30pm–7:00pm at Stockland Rockhampton
🎉 Stay tuned for exciting activations and promotions on the day!
For centre details, hours and more, head here.
Celebrating Community and Wellness: Stockland Rockhampton’s YRF Story
1. Stockland Rockhampton has supported the Yeppoon Running Festival since the very beginning— How does this event align with Stockland’s commitment to community engagement and wellbeing?
At Stockland Rockhampton, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and connected community, and the Yeppoon Running Festival is a perfect example of this in action. As a long-time supporter, we see this event as an opportunity to promote health and wellbeing while bringing people together in a positive and inspiring way. Supporting events that encourage an active lifestyle aligns with our goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers and the broader community.
2. Can we expect any staff to participate in the race?
Absolutely! Many of our team members have participated in previous years and love the event’s fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Our Marketing Executive, Amber Morgan, shares that one of her favourite photos is of her youngest daughter proudly taking part in the YRF in 2017 at just four years old. It’s a great reminder of how inclusive this event is for the whole community!
3. Can you share some reflections on how the event has evolved over the years from your perspective as a founding sponsor?
Since its inception, the Yeppoon Running Festival has grown remarkably. The festival has become a key event in the region, attracting runners of all ages and abilities. We’re proud to have played a role in its journey and to see it become a staple on the local events calendar.
4. Stockland Rockhampton is such an important part of the local lifestyle—how do you see the shopping centre playing a role in fostering community connection?
Stockland Rockhampton is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a community hub where people gather, socialise, and build connections.
We are also proud to be long-time hosts of the Heart Foundation Walking Group. This initiative provides an opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels to stay healthy and connect with others in the comfort of our air-conditioned centre before the stores open.
Our sponsorship of the Yeppoon Running Festival is a natural extension of this, enabling us to take that same sense of community and wellbeing beyond our doors and into the wider region.
5. What do you love most about the community you serve here at Stockland Rockhampton?
The people! There’s a real sense of community spirit here. Whether it’s locals supporting businesses, families enjoying time together, or shoppers engaging with our events, there’s a warmth and friendliness that makes Stockland Rockhampton a special place.
6. Are there any new or exciting developments, stores, or services at the centre this year that you’d like the Yeppoon Running Festival community to know about?
Yes! We’re always evolving to meet the needs of our customers, and one of the most exciting additions is ALDI, which officially opened in January. With ALDI now part of the centre, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of having the Big 3 supermarkets—Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI—all in one great location, making grocery shopping more accessible than ever.
For those focused on health and fitness, Elite Supps has arrived, offering a wide range of sports nutrition, vitamins, and supplements to help support active lifestyles—perfect for those training for events like the Yeppoon Running Festival!
Additionally, Lantern Mart brings a diverse selection of international groceries and specialty products to the centre, giving shoppers even more variety and choice.
7. Bib collection takes place at Stockland Rockhampton on Thursday 24 July 2025, from 4.30pm – 7.00pm. What does it mean to host this important part of the event?
We’re thrilled to be the official bib collection location for the festival! We love being part of the lead-up to such a significant event and providing a central hub where the community can come together.
8. Are there any special promotions, activities or centre experiences planned around bib collection to help create a festive atmosphere?
Yes, we’re working on some exciting activations to enhance the bib collection experience. We want runners and their supporters to feel the energy and excitement of race weekend as soon as they arrive. Stay tuned for more details!
9. How does supporting events like the Yeppoon Running Festival fit into Stockland’s broader mission or social responsibility programs?
At Stockland, we believe in creating thriving communities. Our commitment goes beyond retail—we actively support initiatives that enhance community wellbeing, promote inclusivity, and encourage active lifestyles. The Yeppoon Running Festival perfectly aligns with these values, providing an opportunity to support local engagement, health, and togetherness.
10. Can you share any other local community initiatives or partnerships you’ve been part of recently?
At Stockland Rockhampton, we’re committed to supporting initiatives that make a real difference in our community. We are proud to support Our Space, a dedicated community connection point within the centre, that gives local health and support organisations a place to connect with at-risk youth and provide early intervention and wellbeing services. Our Space plays a vital role in supporting young people in Rockhampton.
We also recently welcomed Gidget House to Stockland Rockhampton. Gidget House provides free, face-to-face psychological counselling for expectant and new parents who may be experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety.
Becoming a parent is an incredible journey, but it can also be overwhelming, and it’s important that parents have access to professional support when they need it.
Both initiatives reflect our commitment to building a connected, supportive community.
11. What message would you like to share with the runners and families joining the festival this year?
Congratulations on taking part in such a fantastic event! Whether you’re running your first race, aiming for a personal best, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, you are part of something special. Enjoy the experience, embrace the challenge, and most importantly, have fun!
12. Is there anything else you’d like to say about the importance of local events, healthy communities, or the spirit of the Yeppoon Running Festival?
Local events like the Yeppoon Running Festival bring people together in a way that’s truly inspiring. They provide opportunities for individuals to challenge themselves, connect with others, and celebrate collective achievements. We are honoured to support such initiatives and remain committed to fostering a vibrant, healthy, and connected community.
