The championship-winning Illawarra Hawks team drown in a sea of ticker tape after their home victory over Melbourne United. Photo: Julian O’Brien.
Reigning NBL champions the Illawarra Hawks will be awarded the keys to the city of Wollongong to honour their historic achievement.
The Hawks, founded in 1979, are the only foundation club left playing in the national league.
Five years ago they were placed into voluntary administration, and creditors voted to liquidate the club.
Thanks to an eleventh-hour rescue from the NBL the Hawks stayed alive – and this year claimed their second championship trophy.
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the keys to the city recognised the historic win and the Hawks’ ability to bring the community together.
“Their motto this season was ‘we rise together’ and nothing could describe the journey better,” she said.
“I want to recognise the players, coaches and support staff who have contributed to this historic achievement.
“We all know there are many behind the scenes who have worked for this, from the ownership team to volunteers.
“Fans have turned up to every game chanting, clapping, riding the emotion of every play, every basket, every win and every loss.
“We waited 24 years but it was worth it and it is a great privilege of this council to bestow this honour on a very deserving team.”
The push was met with unanimous support from all councillors.
Councillor David Brown said the win had propelled Wollongong onto the screens of basketball fans as far afield as the United States and South Korea.
Councillor Kit Docker praised the club’s off-field commitment to social causes such as their refusal to accept sponsorships from sports betting companies and advocacy for reconciliation as hosts of the NBL’s first Indigenous round.
Councillors also recognised the Lord Mayor’s personal involvement as a former board member in helping to keep the Hawks alive during challenging times.
It will not be the first time the Hawks receive the honour.
The 2001 side was also awarded the keys to the city after their championship win, the first in the club’s history.
Other previous recipients of the keys to Wollongong include molecular biologist and motor neurone disease advocate Justin Yerbury, musician Richard Tognetti, Olympian Emma McKeon and, controversially, UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski.
