The Long Walk has held a historic Board meeting in Darwin this week, with Michael Long formally appointed Chairman of The Long Walk Trust. 

Long will take over as Chair to lead the Long Walk's new strategic vision and strengthen the Long Walk's footprint in the Northern Territory. 

The Essendon champion said he was humbled and honoured to be Chair of the Long Walk.

“It’s good just to reflect on how far we’ve come,” Long said.

"We have the largest reconciliation event in Australia every year with The Long Walk ahead of the 'Dreamtime at the 'G' match, our Women's Lunch is going from strength to strength and our flagship education program 'Walk the Talk' is being delivered to thousands of kids each year.

“If you asked me years ago if it would be like this you wouldn’t have picked it.

“I just hope it creates more and more good in this country and in our hearts and minds, but also in our workplace.

“If you can’t talk to each other – that’s where you’ve got to start, hopefully from there little things grow from that and become something that’s tangible and real.

“Footy has done a lot in this space and without it we wouldn’t have been able to do what we’ve done.

“It just shows the strength of people power but also the power of football as well."

In other changes to the Long Walk Board, Leslie Turner, wife of Michael Long, has officially joined as a Director. Terri Marsden will remain in her position as Deputy Chair. 

The Long Walk Board members are Michael Long, Leslie Turner, Aunty Pam Pedersen, Andy Mullins, Terri Marsden and Justin Rodski. 

Leanne Brooke will continue in her role as General Manager and said The Long Walk would release its new five year strategic plan in the coming months.

“Promote, Develop, Empower Australia’s First Nations Peoples, the oldest living culture on earth - that is not only our new vision but a call to action that will underpin and drive our soon to be completed five year strategic plan," Brooke said.