Essendon Football Club and The Long Walk have broadened their support of the Victorian Aboriginal community, announcing a new partnership with the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission (VTAC).

The announcement coincides with enrolments officially opening on Friday, May 10, with the partnership aiming to support Victorian Aboriginal community members to participate in a vote as part of the Treaty process, and raise awareness of the Treaties process among the general public.

Essendon joins the Richmond Football Club in supporting Treaty, in the lead-up to the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash on Saturday, May 25.

During this year’s blockbuster clash, both teams will wear the Treaty logo on match-day guernseys in support.

CEO Xavier Campbell said the club was proud to encourage the Victorian Aboriginal community on the journey to Treaties.   

“Building on the club’s long and proud history of supporting Reconciliation, this important partnership is about playing our role in educating and progressing the work of communities, through the Treaty Advancement Commission,” Campbell said.

“We have a significant platform to assist in amplifying this message, and in doing so, we encourage the Victorian Aboriginal community to be actively involved in the upcoming Assembly election.” 

General manager of The Long Walk Leanne Brooke said the organisation was at the forefront of progressing Reconciliation.

“Australia is the only developed Commonwealth nation to not have a Treaty with its First Peoples. This is about playing our role in raising awareness about Treaty advancement amongst Aboriginal Victorians and the broader community” Brooke said.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with VTAC in The Long Walk’s 15^th anniversary year.”

Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner Jill Gallagher AO said it was an important dual partnership with the Essendon Football Club and The Long Walk. 

“The message to Aboriginal communities in Victoria is to get involved. This election is open to everyone in the community to have their say,” Gallagher said.

“Every vote makes us stronger. Every vote brings us closer to achieving justice.

“Football fans generally should know that this is something that will make this country a better place. Just as AFL is a stronger sport for the inclusion of its Aboriginal players, so too will our society generally be better when our First Peoples get the recognition we are due." 

For more information about Treaty for Victoria, visit treatyforvictoria.org.au