This year marks the tenth anniversary of The Long Walk, following Michael Long’s historic walk to Canberra in 2004 to get the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people back on the national agenda.
As part of the celebrations in 2014, The Long Walk will host a series of new events prior to the opening bounce of the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Essendon and Richmond on Saturday 31 May.
Speaking at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this morning, Long revealed the iconic venue will not only host the start of this year’s The Long Walk, but the inaugural Fun Walk around The Tan and The Long Walk Wellbeing Concert featuring local and international artists.
Long said he is proud of the work The Long Walk does to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing.
“I have been reflecting on what we have achieved over the past ten years since I first felt the force of people power on the first walk,” Long said.
“We have raised awareness and bridged many gaps between people across Australia and we will continue to build understanding and respect. We urge people to join us and continue walking.”
The Long Walk Chairperson Noelene Cox said The Long Walk Trust was formed out of the overwhelming support for Michael’s actions that came from everyday Australians from all walks of life.
“In 2014 The Long Walk celebrates 10 years of raising awareness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing,” Cox said.
“We continue to uphold the actions of Michael Long and those that joined him in his walk to Canberra that started on 21 November 2004. When Michael walked to Canberra his actions spoke to the hearts and minds of thousands of people who agreed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders needed a fair go to become equal with the rest of Australia, while also recognising our unique position as the oldest continuing culture on this earth.
“The Long Walk 10 Year celebrations will take place on Saturday 31 May. Let's keep connected. Let's walk together for a better Australia, for ALL Australians.”
Essendon captain Jobe Watson said the club’s playing group was proud to support The Long Walk following 10 years of outstanding work in the community.
“What I love about The Long Walk is that even after 10 years, people still want to be a part of what it means and society still cares about what the initial walk was about,” Watson said.
“They feel it is important, it is a great way to connect the community and I think it is a really important part of Australian society now.”
In the last 10 years:
Over 90,000 people have walked with Michael Long on The Long Walks around Australia to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to celebrate The Long Walk’s achievements;
6,000 people have shared stories at The Long Walk Women’s Luncheons
Nearly 20,000 people have taken part in The Long Walk’s education programs, connecting people from all walks of life with our rich culture and history.
The Long Walk 10 Year Celebrations will take place on Saturday 31 May in Melbourne, Brisbane, Alice Springs and Perth and on Saturday 24 May in Adelaide and Monday 7 June in Sydney.
The Long Walk is proudly partnered with Essendon Football Club, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet – Minister of Indigenous Affairs, as well as the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) Healthy Lifestyles Team.
Saturday 31 May, 2014
10.30am: The Long Walk Fun Walk
12.00pm: Free Wellbeing Concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl
5.30pm: The Long Walk to Dreamtime at the ‘G
7.45pm: Essendon v Richmond at the MCG
For more information on The Long Walk, please click here.
