Premier Nathan Rees visited last week, made some announcements and promised he would be back. We give Mr Rees the benefit of the doubt, and a little bit more time, to turn all the talk into action for this region.

But there is one thing he could do now that would have a significant impact - shore up the Wollongong Hawks by acting as a $1 million guarantor.

Hawks captain Mat Campbell has raised almost $500,000 in pledges, almost enough to run the club. But a separate $1 million is required to underwrite the Hawks - money that will not be touched unless the club fails to meets its financial obligations.

The Hawks now have a great community model for survival but getting a guarantor is do-or-die.

At a time when this region is under pressure, sport acts as a release valve. And the Hawks' business is worth about $4 million to the city and many, many jobs.

There are plenty of precedents of governments supporting sporting clubs. (We don't believe Wollongong City Council is in a position to do so.) And the Illawarra presents as a special hardship case.

Mr Rees, put your hand in your pocket, be our million-dollar man and make a lot of people happy.