ILL-A-WAR-RA! Basketball is back and before our NBL champs soar into a new season, Wollongong City Council will present the squad with the Keys to the City.
On Saturday 27 September, the Illawarra Hawks will open their 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) campaign in front of a sold-out crowd at WIN Entertainment Centre.
Ahead of their match against the Tasmanian Jack Jumpers, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown will bestow the Keys to City on the 2025 NBL Championship team and returning Head Coach Justin Tatum.
Cr Brown is looking forward to acknowledging the team's incredible achievements and the impact the club had on unifying Wollongong.
"From diehard Hawk Heads 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 come 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.
"If you attended any home match last season, you know what an amazing atmosphere it was in the stadium as the crowd roared their support and lifted the roof to unheard of levels. It truly embodied their slogan 'We rise together'.
"Wollongong was buzzing during the final series. From local businesses to our Wollongong Harbour Breakwater Lighthouse, our city was set ablaze with red."
The Illawarra Hawks are the only foundation club standing, and their recent success broke a 24-year championship drought. 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. I also admire seeing the players around Wollongong showing love and respect for our community," Cr Brown said.
"It is a privilege to bestow this honour on Saturday, in front of a sold-out crowd of passionate Hawk fans, many of whom have been there since 1979.
"I congratulate coach Justin Tatum, co-captains Sam Froling and Tyler Harvey, the playing group, staff, volunteers and the ownership group, who all contributed to this championship winning season. I know it goes beyond the court and look forward to what 2026 brings for our Illawarra Hawks."
In April 2025, Council unanimously endorsed the honour of bestowing the Keys to the City. This honour is given to locals who have achieved extraordinary things and it's our way of recognising this on behalf of our community.
The Illawarra Hawks will be the latest recipients on the honour roll that include the club's inaugural winning 2001 side as well as local sporting teams 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.
For the full list Keys to the City recipients visit our Awards and Recognition page.
Alongside the Keys to the City presentation, the club will also raise the 2025 Championship Banner.
