Joining the Community

Published on 04 September 2025

Meeting new people is a great way to set your time in Rockhampton up for success. Rocky is home to dozens of sport codes and clubs and a jam-packed major events calendar, supported by a strong sense of community within our schools and workplaces.

Rockhampton has a higher than average proportion of people moving to the region from across the country which means there are regular opportunities to meet new faces and form new relationships.

Consider your hobbies and interests, speak to your new colleagues and friends, and become part of Rockhampton’s passionate and welcoming community.

Workplace friendships

If you’ve recently moved here, it’s likely to pursue a new career opportunity. Around 1 in 4 Rockhampton Region residents came here from elsewhere in the country so there’s a strong chance some of your colleagues are also new to the area and looking to expand their own social circles.

Inviting your colleagues out for a coffee or meal at one of Rockhampton’s many pubs, cafes or restaurants is a great way to spark conversations and find your favourite place to eat. You may prefer to start an after-work walking group with your fellow dog-owners, or indulge in some retail therapy at one of our shopping precincts.

At Live Rockhampton, we know our people are our best advocates and assets. Once you’ve settled in, be sure to welcome new arrivals to your workplace, start conversations and help them find their feet – they could one day become your closest friend.

Sport and recreation

No weekend is complete without the sounds of an umpire’s whistle. Rockhampton has an unbelievable range of sporting clubs and codes. Joining a sports group or heading along as a spectator is a brilliant way to meet new people and immerse yourself in some community spirit.

Central Queensland may be rugby league heartland but Rockhampton is also home to a fiercely contested AFL competition, passionate soccer league and a number of cricket competitions. With teams for men and women of all ages and abilities, you’ll be sure to find a club that’s perfectly suited to you.

Rocky is also full of dedicated clubs in some of the sports you may not typically think off such as cycling, mountain bike riding, hockey, darts and eight-ball.

If you prefer to watch from the sidelines why not head along to watch our Queensland Rugby League team - the CQ Capras – or our NBL1 North basketball teams – the Rockhampton Rockets and the Rockhampton Cyclones. Spectators are also welcome at local games, where you’ll be able to enjoy fierce cross-town rivalries.

School friendship circles

Turn the school drop-off into an opportunity to meet new people. As your kids get to know their new classmates, why not introduce yourself to some of the parents?

Whether it’s a quick greeting by the school gate or a coffee during a kid’s playday, Rockhampton’s school communities are a great way to form new friendships and expand your social circle.

Many local schools offer extracurricular activities such as excursions and sporting events which can help break down barriers and allow you to meet new people while supervising your children.

Major events

Rockhampton Regional Council hosts an impressive major events calendar each year spanning across motorsports, comic-con and cosplay, sport and fitness, art and culture, markets, outdoor activities and more. 

Heading along to these events with family and friends provides the opportunity to meet new faces and celebrate the community spirit that makes up the Rockhampton Region. If you’re still finding your social circle, you could invite your colleagues to join you and get to know each other in a less formal setting.

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering your time to work with a community group or charity will help create a sense of belonging and purpose, as well as introducing you to new people.

Rockhampton is home to community groups such as Rotary, Lions Club and Zonta – and charities such as Salvation Army, Vinnies, Legacy, Lifeline and Cancer Council Queensland.

You can also offer your time with a sporting group, major event or local tourism destinations such as the Rockhampton Museum of Art.

Religious and multicultural groups

Rockhampton is a multi-faith city, accepting of people from all cultural and religious backgrounds. Our city has places of worship for Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and more.

In addition to providing a place to practice your faith, joining a place of worship is an excellent way to meet people who share similar values, and participate in activities which provide support to the broader community.