Unfortunate circumstances meant no cars were flying around Albert Park for the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix at the weekend, but luckily the latest edition of the Little Long Walk was able to go ahead on schedule last week.

Some familiar Essendon faces including legendary coach Kevin Sheedy and former Bombers Dustin Fletcher and Courtenay Dempsey helped lead the walk on the famous track, with approximately 100 students from St Kilda Park Primary and South Melbourne Park Primary joining them for the special occasion.

The Long Walk admin and event coordinator Danielle Kaitu said engaging with children has always been a key focus for founder and club icon Michael Long.

“Michael believes that education is the key to making a change and bettering the future for his peoples,” Kaitu said.

“Working with the next generation is just one of the ways we can make his vision come to life and we look forward to a more inclusive world.

“We are currently averaging one to two Little Long Walks a month and we would love to see all schools, preschools and community groups join us in raising awareness.”

Essendon head of strategic partnerships and major projects Jess Newman said the club is extremely proud of its partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC), which is built on celebrating Indigenous culture.

“The EFC and AGPC partnership is centred around our shared commitment to our First Nation’s peoples and this Little Long Walk is a fantastic example of how this partnership provides a unique platform to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” Newman said.

“We feel very privileged to be part of this partnership and both EFC and the AGPC are proud to promote and empower the next generation on reconciliation in this country.”