Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce it is now an official partner of The Long Walk – a charitable trust, with former Bomber champion Michael Long as patron, committed to supporting programs that assist in achieving equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
As part of the partnership, Essendon Football Club’s administration centre at Windy Hill will now be home to the head office of The Long Walk and recently appointed Long Walk Project Manager Kim Kruger. This position is being jointly funded by the Essendon Football Club and The Long Walk.
Significantly, in addition to this, Essendon Football Club’s annual auction ball – previously the Red and Black Ball – will now be known as the Dreamtime Ball with funds raised supporting The Long Walk and Essendon Football Club’s Indigenous programs.
“We are pleased to have been able to establish this partnership and we hope we can provide the sort of support that will enable The Long Walk and Michael Long to achieve some meaningful outcomes for Indigenous communities,” Essendon Managing Director Peter Jackson said.
“I think everyone was full of admiration for Michael when he, and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous supporters, walked to
“I think football is only just beginning to understand the role it can play in the Indigenous communities of this country and hopefully a partnership like this will make a real difference.
“It also has the capacity to enhance what we are trying to do with events such as Dreamtime at the G and our partnerships with the Tiwi Island Bombers and the Wadeye community.”
The Long Walk Chair, Merryn Apma, said The Long Walk is thrilled with the new partnership, and commends Essendon for its on-going commitment to Indigenous people and communities.
“The Long Walk raises awareness and understanding of the talents and contributions offered by Indigenous Australians, encourages Indigenous voices to be heard and raises funds to support innovative, new development programs initiated and led by Indigenous communities. With Essendon’s, and others, support, we can achieve our aims,” Ms Apma said.
Essendon’s annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash with Richmond will be held on Saturday night May 24th with the annual Long Walk also taking place in the lead-up to the match.
“I would urge all football supporters to take part in The Long Walk from
THE LONG WALK
When: Saturday, May 24th
Where: Federation Square (pre-Walk entertainment and activities from 2pm. The Long Walk, led by Michael Long, will depart
Followed by: Dreamtime at the G, Essendon v
