Port to Park to pay it forward with $50K Community Investment
July 9, 2025
Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) continues to pay it forward, unveiling a $50,000 investment into the community with the announcement of the 2025 Port to Park beneficiaries.
This year, alongside major sponsors, GPC is excited to announce Gladstone Women’s Health Centre will receive $35,000 to support their Our Village initiative, while PCYC Gladstone will receive $15,000 for much-needed upgrades to their dedicated Youth Space.
GPC Acting CEO Jenelle Druce said Port to Park continues to shine as not just a fun run supporting healthy lifestyles, but as a vital initiative that creates real, lasting impacts for the community.
“We’re proud that Port to Park continues to be more than just a race – it’s a platform for positive change in our region,” Ms Druce said.
“The funds raised through community participation are going directly into initiatives that support some of our most vulnerable, and future generations.”
“GPC has a long history of providing support to the communities in which we operate, and this year we have two really exciting initiatives that we are proud to champion for our local Gladstone community.”
The Our Village initiative at Gladstone Women’s Health Centre provides critical care for children while their parents or guardians attend court proceedings and vital appointments related to domestic and family violence.
PCYC Gladstone will use its share of the funding to upgrade its Youth Space, transforming it into a welcoming and engaging environment for young people. Planned upgrades include booth seating, mobile tables, television, Play Station 5, a foosball table, and a moveable storage cupboard.
In addition to supporting local community groups, Port to Park will continue to directly benefit participating Gladstone Region schools. An attending Gladstone school student will see their full registration fee go directly back to supporting their school – every step really does count!
A share of each adult registration fee will be directed to the participants nominated school or allocated to the 2025 beneficiaries. Over the years, this initiative has helped schools fund new equipment, learning resources, and wellness programs that contribute to a more vibrant and supportive educational environment.
The race options for this years’ Port to Park run is the 10 kilometre Koongo Dash, the 5 kilometre Koommonka Sprint or the 3 kilometre Yallarm Family Run. The race names recognise the language of the Traditional Owners of the land – the Bailai, Gurang and Gooreng Gooreng nations, with Koongo meaning place of water, Koommonka meaning Possum and Yallarm meaning place of shells.
Port to Park stands as GPC’s signature community celebration, where fitness meets fun and fundraising. Since its inception the annual fun run has channelled nearly $700,000 back into uplifting local school and supporting grassroots community projects.
This year’s Port to Park is made possible through the support of Whitehaven Coal, Gladstone Regional Council/Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre, Smit Lamnalco, APLNG ConocoPhillips, Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal, Orica, Santos GLNG, UGL Limited, Bill Robertson Toyota and QMAG.