When local Hawks-mad businessman Dan Muller heard the region's National Basketball League club was starting a membership drive for the return of the name "Illawarra" to the club, he bought 50 memberships of his own.

He then donated them straight to the Disability Trust's Jammers program, which gives participants an outlet to play basketball.

Read more: Hawks fans need to support push to get Illawarra back

Many of the Jammers participants are passionate Hawkheads too, a fact Mr Muller knows first-hand, given his brother Ethan has been a proud Jammers player.

Mr Muller hoped the gesture would keep the Jammers participants close to the club as well as take the Hawks a step closer to regaining its regional identity and name.

"If we don't have an 'Illawarra' team, who are these people like the Jammers supporting?" he said.

"We don't want to see another team leave the Illawarra."

Mr Muller, who is a director of Titanium Traffic Management, is nearly always found courtside at Hawks games.

"Everyone wants to have the 'Illawarra' back in the name, but it's time to put your money where your mouth is or stop complaining," he said.

"I'd love to see the club reinstate the name first and foremost. We have a world-class coach and NBA talent.

"This will be a big year and if people want to have a local national sporting team playing here instead of having to drive to Sydney, then the time to support them is now."

The Disability Trust's Jammers program was established in 1993 with the help of a couple of former Hawks, Dene McDonald and Matt Flinn.

"It helps the Jammers develop skills in basketball and they have a great passion for the game and the Hawks," the Disability Trust's manager of sport and recreational services Michael Norris said.

"Our biggest challenge is when we split them up into teams for a game because they all want their team to be named the Hawks.

"Our thanks must go to Dan and to the Hawks for their continued support of the Jammers."

Recently retired Hawks star Tim Coenraad, who has now moved into a community engagement role with the club, praised Mr Muller for his donation.

"The Hawks are extremely grateful to have someone like Dan Muller as a lifelong member of the club. He is a sponsor, a member, a fan, and a large contributor to basketball in the community," Mr Coenraad said.

"The club is proud to have individuals like Dan in the community that are dedicated to giving back."

If you would like to know more about the Jammers program visit https://www.disabilitytrust.org.au/

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