Wollongong Council has endorsed a motion from Lord Mayor of Wollongong Tania Brown to award the Keys to the City to mixed martial arts champion Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski.
One of Wollongong’s most recognisable sportsmen, 36-year-old Volkanovski captured the UFC featherweight world championship in December 2019 and successfully defended it a further five times in a four-year reign at the top of his division.
It saw him claim the coveted distinction of being named the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and he is widely regarded as a consensus first-ballot Hall-of-Famer in his chosen sport.
Outside the octagon, Volkanovski has been a tireless supporter of local charities and community organisations, promoting causes from autism awareness to national campaigns against domestic violence and various men’s health initiatives.
He also fronted the Vax the Illawarra campaign during the COVID pandemic and was a national COVID vaccine ambassador in an effort to improve vaccination rates.
He has released a children’s book encouraging kids to pursue healthy lifestyles and to follow their dreams, while continuing to mentor young men and women in various martial arts disciplines.
These efforts were recognised by the NSW Government earlier this year when he was awarded a NSW Premier’s Award for Community Service.
One of Australia’s most globally recognised athletes, Volkanovski remains a passionate advocate for his hometown, promoting Wollongong and Windang to his millions of fans the world over. He is also an avid supporter and ambassador for the Illawarra Hawks, the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wollongong Wolves.
He remains active in his quest to re-gain the UFC featherweight title and continues to train and compete out of Windang’s Freestyle MMA gym that has been his home for his entire stellar career.
While bestowing the honour on the father of three recognises his outstanding sporting prowess, Cr Brown said his advocacy for Wollongong on the global stage, and support for local charities and community groups, warranted Keys to the City.
“Alex’s outstanding achievements in the athletic arena speak for themselves, but ‘Volk’ has also proven to be a staunch and passionate advocate for Wollongong throughout his career on the international stage,” Cr Brown said.
“That he has fought his entire career out of the same gym in Windang, under the same coach and with the same team around him, speaks to his loyalty to the region and the people around him.
“You’d be hard-pressed to find a local charity or community organisation he hasn’t given his support to, which has been widely recognised. Those efforts and personal qualities, in addition to his sporting achievements, make him a worthy recipient of the City’s highest honour.”
