The head of medical services for the Illawarra Hawks, Phillip Driscoll, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division for service to sport through medical roles.
“I feel deeply honoured, shocked, stunned – all those words you can think of, I'm all of those and more,” Phil said.
Phil has worked with the Illawarra Hawks basketball team for more than 40 years. Locally he is recognised as an integral part of the team and its success.
“I started with the Hawks in the early 80s and have been there ever since, in one role or another,” he said.
In 2023, the Illawarra honoured Phil by naming the Hawks game day locker room ‘The Phil Driscoll Locker Room’.
“I’m all about helping people. I'm not about doing anything for show. I just love being around people and helping and doing whatever I can,” Phil said.
“Sports medicine on a day-to-day basis is anything from taping athletes up ready to go train or play, to helping them when they get hurt – broken bones, cuts and bruises, all those sorts of things, as well as assisting my brilliant physios I work around.”
In addition to his work with the Hawks, Phil was sports trainer for the Illawarra Steelers from 1993, and trainer for St George Illawarra Dragons National Rugby League team since 1999.
A member of Sports Medicine Australia, Phil began his career as an educator. He served as a member of the Community Sport Medical Advisory Working Group from 2019 to 2021, and was awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
“I started in sports science in 1984 as a lecturer, and I've been doing that ever since. I love that stuff, imparting knowledge. It’s been good,” he said.
“I’ve been with NSW rugby league and basketball the whole time, and worked at a national level for both as well. I’ve also done international stuff too.
“The highlight has probably been going to the Sydney Olympics for sport medicine in 2000. It’s been a great journey.”
The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievements. This year’s honours list awards 732 Australians for their various contributions.
A resident of Corrimal, Phil thanked his family for their support over the years.
“I couldn't have done this without my wife Carol, my son Jim and my daughter Katie. I couldn't have done all of this over the years without them. This is my passion and my hobby, they know that, and they let me go and keep doing it.”
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The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, today announced Honours and Awards for 732 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service in the military.
Locals honoured include Wollongong couple Hong-Phong Le and Teresa Tran, recognised for service to the Vietnamese Community, and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Superintendent Gregory Houston, who received an Australian Fire Service Medal, one of the highest honours in firefighting. Olympian gold medallist Saya Sakakibara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to sport.
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au
