More than 800 people have gathered for The Long Walk Women’s Luncheon in Melbourne. 

Michael Long headlined the list of guests that also included Labor MP Warren Snowden, Kevin Sheedy and former Olympian Kyle Vander Kuyp.

The Long Walk is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra in an attempt to get the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people back in the spotlight.

“We never thought it would grow this big but it just shows that people do care, that do want to be part of change,” Long said.

“The great thing about the Long Walk is that it’s a constant reminder that we’ve still got to be diligent.  We’ve still got to play our part in society.” 

Long Walk Chairperson Leanne Brooke said the treatment of Adam Goodes highlights that more work needs to be done.

“We host the largest reconciliation event in the country bringing together 18,000 people,” she said.

“Unfortunately we have all recently witnessed unacceptable examples of overt racism and marginalisation. 

“Aboriginal people experience systemic, overt and casual racism on a daily basis.

“This demonstrates that the work of The Long Walk is now more important than ever.

“All of us must continue to lead the way in promoting equality, social justice, inclusion and respect.”

Funds raised from today's lunch will help bolster The Long Walk's school programs.