The Hawks have done the hard work, now it's time for the city to party

Well, the Illawarra Hawks certainly didn’t miss their shot! They’re the 2025 NBL Champions, and they’ve made the whole city proud.

It’s no secret that I’ve been a diehard Hawks fan for a long time. And for those who have stuck by the team through thick and thin, this victory is a very sweet success.

The Hawks are the only foundation club left in the national league and it’s only the second time in their 46-year history that they’ve won the title. It’s the first time they’ve won it in front of a passionate home crowd in Wollongong.

There’s no question the team was hungry for this victory. They rose to the occasion and encouraged Wollongong to join them for the ride.

And it’s this community focus and commitment, that it takes a town to earn the title, that I really respect about the Illawarra Hawks.

Coach Justin Tatum made it clear – as the city’s only fulltime national sporting team, when it comes to the Illawarra Hawks, we rise together.

And boy it was amazing to see Wollongong rise up! Businesses decorated in team colours, fans filling the stadium, more people watching the game at Wollongong City Council’s Globe Lane live site, the old lighthouse illuminated red, and, I’ve not doubt, many a lounge room party with fans getting together to watch the final on TV.

The city really came to life, and this is a celebration to be savoured by the players and their loyal fan base.

Council will host a community event in the Crown Street Mall this Thursday (27 March) to celebrate the win. We’re working with the Hawks on the event, which coincides with the Thursday night markets and provides an opportunity for passionate fans and supporters to acknowledge the efforts of their team.

The event will include an appearance by a number of Hawks players, a celebration cake cutting and music from a DJ. It starts at 5:30 pm and finishes at 9 pm.

We’re working to get all the details locked in right now and we know a number of the players have already had to leave the city for other sporting commitments, but this is going to be a great celebration.

I’d encourage everyone to wear their red and black and come along and applaud the team that has done us so proud.

We’ll share further details soon on our website, and City of Wollongong and CBD social media channels.

As we enjoy this moment in basketball history, I’d like to acknowledge the Melbourne United team and, in particular, the sportsmanship of Matthew Dellavedova.

There’s no question that it was a hard game for them on Sunday in front of a passionate (and very loud and vocal) Wollongong crowd.

With a phenomenal career in his own right, Dellavedova deserves our respect. But after being awarded MVP of the series by Larry Sengstock, he did something extraordinary and controversial.

He immediately handed the NBL-awarded trophy to Hawks’ guard Will Hickey with the words “Davo, this belongs to you”.

You already had our respect, Matthew, but this is the type of sportsmanship that speaks volumes. On behalf of our community, I acknowledge this exceptional move. It was a truly class act from an Australian basketball legend. You’re welcome in Wollongong anytime Matthew.

So, let’s come together and celebrate the success of our homegrown team, and be ready to cheer them on when the 2025/2026 championship gets under way later this year.

Champions two years running? I do like the sound of that.