The Legacy

In the mid-1980s, the Hawks were defined by a Board of Directors who wore the navy jackets as a symbol of regional leadership and community stewardship. This era represented a commitment to the Illawarra that went beyond the scoreboard—it was about building a professional institution that the region could call its own.

The Illawarra Hawks Foundation restores this prestigious era of leadership. By aligning our modern mission with the standards set in the past, we ensure that the Foundation remains a cornerstone of integrity, transparency, and service to the community

Formalising Our Commitment

By establishing a separate charitable entity, the Illawarra Hawks Foundation creates a clear distinction between commercial sporting operations and our philanthropic mission. This ensures complete donor confidence, regulatory clarity, and the restoration of the "Navy Blazer" leadership aesthetic that has guided this club since 1979.

Vision & Mission

  • Our Purpose

    To create meaningful and lasting community benefit by improving wellbeing, increasing opportunity, strengthening inclusion and helping individuals and communities thrive.

  • Our Vision

    Stronger, healthier and more connected communities, where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong and thrive.

  • Our Mission

    To harness the profile, people and platform of the Illawarra Hawks and the power of basketball to invest in people, programs and places that improve wellbeing, remove barriers to participation, create opportunities and deliver lasting community impact.

Strategic Pillars

  • Pillar 1: Community & Connection

    Connecting people. Strengthening communities.

    To improve health, wellbeing and social connection by using the reach of the Hawks and basketball to engage, inspire and support individuals and communities through inclusive, structured and measurable programs.

  •  Pillar 2: Pathways & Participation

    Creating opportunity. Removing barriers.

    To remove barriers and increase access to participation, education, mentoring, leadership and personal development opportunities that help individuals build confidence, resilience and reach their potential.

  •  Pillar 3: Facilities & Infrastructure 

    Building places where communities thrive.

    To support, develop and invest in community infrastructure and environments that improve accessibility, inclusion, safety and participation and create places where people and communities can connect and thrive.
Our Community Roadmap

Governance & Transparency

The Foundation is a public company limited by guarantee and a registered charity with the ACNC. Our Board of Directors provides independent oversight to ensure that 100% of community-allocated funds are managed with total accountability.

Learn About Our Stewardship

Institutional Values

  • Community First

  • Integrity

  • Inclusion

  • Excellence

  • Impact

Be a Founding Part of Our Future

The 1979 Foundation Club is currently seeking its inaugural members.

Secure Your Founding Status