‘Dreamtime at the G’ aims to recognise and celebrate the role Indigenous players have had in the game, while also demonstrating how Australian Football can build bridges between cultures in the spirit of reconciliation.
Essendon Coach Kevin Sheedy said: ""This game is a tribute to the role Australian Football has played in bringing people together. It has built a bridge that has enabled different cultures to reach out to one another and I sincerely hope football fans fill the MCG on what will be a very special night.""
""I also think ‘Dreamtime at the G’ will give non-Indigenous Australia the opportunity to reflect on some of the issues affecting our Indigenous community. We have come a long way but there is a lot more work to be done.""
Richmond Coach Terry Wallace said: ""From the time Kevin Sheedy first mentioned ‘Dreamtime at the G’, I thought it was an outstanding concept. The obvious synergy with both clubs’ colours is a key and I just believe it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all the Indigenous players who have represented the various league clubs over a long period of time. For our players, in general, it’s another chance to play in a huge Blockbuster-type game, which I’m sure will continue to grow and develop over the years.""
Former Essendon champion and founder of The Long Walk Michael Long said: ""It will make a proud statement about the role Australian Football has played – and will continue to play – in building understanding and positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.""
Some of Australia’s finest entertainers who believe in the message and event are involved in the pre-match entertainment. Paul Kelly, Christine Anu, Peter Garrett, Renee Geyer and Kutcha Edwards will be centre stage on the MCG, with the entertainment commencing at 7.00pm. The match will commence at 7.45pm, a delay of 35 minutes, to accommodate the spectacular entertainment.
Network TEN has been a significant supporter of the event since the initial planning stage. TEN will televise the pre-match entertainment and have extended the broadcast by 30 minutes to incorporate the activities.
Just prior to the start of the game, respected Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy will conduct a short ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony with the captains of both sides to welcome the Clubs to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people. The night will end with the presentation of the ‘Yiooken’ award to the player judged best on ground. Pronounced – yie-yoo-ken, it is a word from the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people which means ‘dreaming’.
The Long Walk 2006 launch will also help cement this as a very special night. The launch will take place at Birrurung Marr from 3pm on Saturday afternoon. In the lead-up to the match Michael Long will lead The Long Walk participants in a symbolic walk across William Barak Bridge to the MCG with 1000 of the walkers to head on to the famous turf as part of the pre-match entertainment.
‘Dreamtime at the G’ 2006 has been made possible through the support of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). Through the sponsorship, the Department is looking to raise awareness of the practical assistance available under the Indigenous Employment Programme that aims to increase the levels of Indigenous employment, self-employment and business development.
DEWR have also been a significant supporter of AFL SportsReady’s Indigenous Employment Program. DEWR have made available (through AFL SportsReady) significant employment subsidies for Employers to take advantage of traineeships.
