The Illawarra Hawks handed keys to the city

Wollongong City Council has unanimously endorsed the honour of presenting the keys to the city to the NBL25 Season Champions - your very own Illawarra Hawks.

After a historic record breaking season, the Hawks have triumphantly brought the Championship trophy back to the Illawarra region for the first time in 24 years. 

This incredible achievement resonated deeply across the community, with local members, businesses and fans uniting in unwavering support throughout the season. That support culminated in a city-wide celebration hosted by Wollongong City Council after the five game championship series was won at home, during which the proposal to award the keys to the city was first introduced by Lord Mayor, Tania Brown.

“The Hawks motto through this season was ‘we rise together’ and there’s no better way to describe what the team did in uniting our city en route to the NBL championship,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.

“It is only fitting that Coach Tatum and his team be awarded Keys to the City of Wollongong and it is a great privilege of this Council to be able to bestow that honour.”

“This club only exists because of the unwavering support of the Illawarra community and the passionate loyalty of our members and fans.” stated Terry Egger, Vice Chairman of Crest Management, representing the Illawarra Hawks ownership group. 

“We’re incredibly thankful to the community that stood by us through the challenges and celebrated with us in the triumphs. This Championship belongs to Illawarra, and we’re proud to share this victory with the city.” 

The key will officially be awarded to the Illawarra Hawks NBL25 championship team at the first home game of the NBL26 Regular Season.