Powercor Extends Naming Rights Partnership with the Iconic Stawell Gift Until 2031

Date: 19th April 2025

STAWELL, VIC (APRIL 19, 2025) – The Powercor Stawell Gift, Australia’s most prestigious professional foot race, is proud to announce a landmark extension and expansion of its partnership with Powercor. As naming rights sponsor since 2021, Powercor has now committed to supporting the event through to 2031, underscoring its deep connection to regional Victoria and dedication to fostering community-driven events.

In a powerful show of support for gender equality and women in sport, Powercor has also expanded its sponsorship to include naming rights for the Strickland Family Women’s Gift. From 2025, this celebrated race will be officially rebranded as the Powercor Women’s Gift, further elevating the profile of female athletes and promoting parity on the track.

Powercor General Manager Scott Russell highlighted the alignment between the company’s values and the spirit of the Stawell Gift.

“Our partnership with the Stawell Gift embodies Powercor’s connection to regional Victoria and the communities we serve every day,” Mr. Russell said. “As the Powercor Stawell Gift continues to celebrate athletic excellence, we’re proud to power its growth, including supporting the next generation of female athletes through the Powercor Women’s Gift.”

Powercor, Australia’s leading rural electricity distributor, supplies nearly one million homes and businesses across 64% of Victoria, from Melbourne’s western suburbs to the South Australian and New South Wales borders. The network underpins key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and forestry, playing a critical role in the prosperity of regional communities.

As part of its growing involvement in the carnival, Powercor will also introduce a new event in 2025 honouring its skilled field workforce, known as “Lineys.” This exclusive race will see Powercor Lineys take to the iconic Central Park track, celebrating their speed, dedication, and the vital role they play in keeping Victoria powered.

Drawing thousands of spectators to the Grampians region each year, the Powercor Stawell Gift generates significant economic activity for local businesses and showcases the cultural energy of regional Victoria. “By extending our naming rights partnership, we’re not only strengthening the legacy of the Powercor Stawell Gift but also reaffirming our commitment to energising regional Victoria,” added Mr. Russell.

Stawell Gift Event Management Chair, Murray Emerson, warmly welcomed the extended agreement.

“Powercor is essential as to the Stawell Gift,” said Mr. Emerson. “Since 2021, Powercor has helped elevate the carnival experience for athletes and spectators alike. They’re not just a sponsor, they’re a true partner invested in the future of both the event and the community.”

“This extension, and the expansion to include the Powercor Women’s Gift, is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between Powercor, the Stawell Gift Event Management board, Stawell Athletic Club, Victorian Athletic League, Northern Grampians Shire Council, and our event promoter, 360 Sport and Entertainment. We’re thrilled to continue this journey together, through to 2031.”

The 2025 Powercor Stawell Gift promises to be one of the most exciting in the event’s history. Star athletes including Gout Gout, Bree Rizzo, and Peter Bol are set to headline the on-track action, adding to the electric atmosphere across the Easter long weekend.

All three days of the carnival will be broadcast live and free on Seven Plus, with the iconic Easter Monday finals airing on Channel Seven from 11:30am AEST, Monday 21 April. The Powercor Stawell Gift and Powercor Women’s Gift each offer equal prize money, with $55,000 on the line in both events, and $40,000 awarded to the respective winners. Tickets are available now at Ticketek, starting at just $18. Children under 12 enjoy free entry on Easter Sunday.

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