The Wollongong Roller Hawks and Just Better Care Illawarra & Southern Highlands are pleased to announce the extension of their Naming Rights Partnership for 2024. 

The Just Better Care Wollongong Roller Hawks are gearing up for the biggest season of wheelchair basketball in five years with a return to home and away fixtures for the first time since 2019.

Roller Hawks Club President Geoff Adams welcomes the return.

“I’m ecstatic to have Just Better Care back supporting the Roller Hawks,” says Adams.

“This is a really important year for our sport. The NWBL under the guidance of Wheelchair Basketball Australia is entering a new era, with more teams and hopefully more attention than we’ve seen for a long time. The Roller Hawks can’t be a part of that without the partnership of organisations like Just Better Care.

“When we say partnership, we really mean it. There is a genuine partnership between our two organisations. Having their financial backing is hugely important, but the support Jason and the team have shown, from being courtside at the games to the Wheelchair Access podcast and even just their enthusiasm to be part of all our events throughout the year has been amazing.” 

Continuing the partnership was a natural move for Just Better Care Illawarra & Southern Highlands Managing Director Jason Ballerini.

“Just Better Care has been an enthusiastic member of the Roller Hawks community for several years, but last year marked a pinnacle as we proudly assumed the role of naming rights sponsor,” says Ballerini. 

“As we embark on the journey into the 2024 season, we are deeply honoured to continue this partnership. As someone living with a disability, I feel an immense pride extending support to others in the community striving to realize their aspirations. At Just Better Care, our commitment lies in empowering individuals to embrace their potential, whether it's through our daily services or by championing teams and individuals within our community. Our focus remains unwavering: facilitating independence and nurturing the dreams of our valued customers.”

“The anticipation surrounding the 2024 season is palpable, with the recent announcement of its expansion and the inclusion of additional teams. It heralds a new era of excitement for both the Roller Hawks and Just Better Care. Our dedication to engagement and promotion ensures that we not only connect with our customers but also amplify each other's voices across our networks.”

The NWBL season sees seven teams suit up across seven rounds. In each round, sides will play a team three times across two days (2 on Saturday, 1 on Sunday) resulting in a total of 18 regular season games. 

The Roller Hawks will open their 2024 campaign against newcomers the Manly Wheel Eagles. Although officially a Manly home round, the Roller Hawks will host the two Saturday games, (10am at Shellharbour City Stadium and 7pm at The Snakepit, Beaton Park).

The Roller Hawks will also host the Darwin Salties (Round 2), Perth Wheelcats (Round 4) and the Red Dust Heelers (Round 6).

The partnership between the Roller Hawks and Just Better Care is set to grow, building on initiatives like the Wheelchair Access Podcast that began in 2023.

“Reflecting on our foray into podcasting, it was undeniably a journey of growth and discovery. This was a new experience for all involved and was definitely a learning curve. Crafting meaningful conversations while maintaining a natural flow presented its challenges, yet each episode was a testament to our shared passion for life, sport and community.” 

“Delving into the personal narratives of three remarkable members of the Roller Hawks family was nothing short of inspiring. Their tales of resilience in the face of adversity underscored the transformative power of sport and community.”

“Through our podcasts, sponsorships, and active involvement, our commitment to the Roller Hawks community and our broader mission of enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and the elderly is reaffirmed.” 

“We recognize that everyone, regardless of circumstance, deserves support. Whether it's providing assistance to navigate daily routines or fostering opportunities for participation in elite sports, Just Better Care remains steadfast in our pledge to turn dreams into reality.”