Wollongong City Lord Mayor Tania Brown handed the Illawarra Hawks keys to the city on Saturday. Photo: Illawarra Hawks.
2025 NBL champions the Illawarra Hawks unlocked another chapter in Wollongong’s history, receiving the keys to the city in front of a roaring sell-out crowd at their NBL26 home opener on Saturday (27 September).
Standing centre court at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Tania Brown was emotional as she made the presentation to returning head coach Justin Tatum and the team.
“I’m shaking, I’m so nervous,” Cr Brown said to the crowd.
“What an absolute honour it is for us to be here at The Sandpit to bestow the keys to the city on our beloved team, here in a place where they lifted the roof, lifted the trophy in front of the loyal fans and Hawkheads like me, many of whom have been on the journey for many years.”
Cr Brown also acknowledged the impact the National Basketball League club had on unifying Wollongong.
“I’m proud to stand here representing our community on this special occasion,” she said.
“A community that has supported this team through all the ups and downs, who wore the jerseys, painted the town red, filled the stadium and absolutely raised the roof to the loudest levels I have ever heard to cheer on this team.”
Cr Brown said the keys to the city were the highest honour a city could bestow on a group or individual, and were an internationally recognised honour dating back to medieval times that granted the individual the right to come and go as a trusted friend.
“From diehard Hawkheads to local fans, everyone can agree that our NBL team is worthy of our city’s highest recognition,” she said.
“What a magnificent run to the playoffs they had.
“Their consistent performances saw them finish top of the ladder at the end of the regular season.
“And then came the finals. They kept pushing the limits to finish the job and lift that beautiful silverware at home as the 2025 NBL Champions.
“Their success is a true testament to their hard work and resilience. They don’t only bring pride to the jersey they wear but also to the city they represent.”
She welcomed new team members to “the family” before adding that she hoped the team could “bring us home a repeat – no pressure”.
Coach Tatum said he appreciated having the “best fans in the NBL”, some of whom had been there since 1979.
“You were very important to us last year for the championship run, so we need you again,” he said.
Hawks legends Mat Campbell and Chuck Harmison then carried out the 2025 championship banner with junior players, before it was raised to the rafters at the stadium, making it only the second in the club’s history.
However, the celebrations ended there, with the banner game resulting in an upset for the Hawks, as the Tasmanian JackJumpers took out the game 91-86.
The Illawarra Hawks are the only foundation club standing, and last year’s success broke a 24-year championship drought.
It came after the home side overcame Melbourne United in a five-game series that saw the deciding match played at home.
“Ever the underdogs, the Hawks have a special place in our hearts,” Cr Brown said.
“I also admire seeing the players around Wollongong showing love and respect for our community.”
Cr Brown congratulated the team, staff, volunteers and ownership group for a winning season, adding, “I know it goes beyond the court and look forward to what 2026 brings for our Illawarra Hawks”.
In April, council unanimously endorsed the honour of bestowing the keys to the city on the team. This honour is bestowed upon those who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments.
Illawarra Hawks will be the latest recipients on the honour roll that includes the club’s inaugural winning 2001 side, along with sporting teams such as the 2009 St George Illawarra Dragons and 2000 Wollongong Wolves. The co-captain of the 2001 championship team, Mat Campbell, was also a recipient in 2012.
