Perry Lakes Hawks launch new Volunteer Awards
The Perry Lakes Hawks are calling on the basketball community to recognise its unsung heroes, with public nominations now open for the inaugural 2026 Hawks as One Volunteer Awards.
From the people who coach and mentor our players to those who organise teams, support families and keep clubs running behind the scenes, volunteers are at the heart of the Perry Lakes Hawks community.
Their contribution often extends well beyond the basketball court. They give their time, share their knowledge, create opportunities for others and help make basketball a place where people can connect, develop and belong.
The new Hawks as One Volunteer Awards have been introduced to recognise these contributions and celebrate the people who make a lasting difference across the Hawks community, no matter what level.
Public nominations are now open for five award categories: Volunteer of the Year, Community Spirit Award, WABL Coach of the Year, WABL Rising Star Coach Award and Domestic Coach of the Year.
The Volunteer of the Year Award will be the program’s highest individual volunteer honour, recognising someone whose commitment and contribution have made an outstanding impact across the wider Hawks community.
The Community Spirit Award will celebrate those who bring people together and help create a welcoming, inclusive environment, while the coaching awards will recognise the people helping players develop and enjoy their basketball, both on and off the court.
One Junior Club Person of the Year will also be recognised from each of the Hawks’ six Junior Clubs, with clubs coordinating their own selections.
Perry Lakes Hawks CEO Corey Ranger said the awards were an important step in recognising the people who help make the association and its clubs what they are today.
“One of the things that stands out about our basketball community is the number of people who give so much of their time to others. They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they care about their club, their players and the people around them.
“But that doesn’t mean their contribution should go unnoticed. We want to make sure we take the time to recognise these people and show them how much they mean to our community.”
Ranger said the awards were also an opportunity for the wider basketball community to get involved by nominating someone who had made a difference.
“You don’t have to look far to find someone who deserves a thank you. It might be a coach who has helped a young player find confidence, a volunteer who is always there when something needs doing, or someone who brings people together and makes their club a better place to be.
“If someone has made a positive difference to you, your team or your club, we’d love you to put their name forward.”
The awards form part of the Hawks’ broader commitment to building a connected basketball community where players, coaches, volunteers, clubs and partners feel valued and supported.
Award recipients will be recognised at the inaugural Hawks as One Sundowner in November.
Public nominations close on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Help us recognise our community heroes.
For further information, contact the Perry Lakes Hawks Basketball Association.
