The Long Walk

On Saturday 24 May, the annual Long Walk, lead by Michael Long, will start at Melbournes Federation Square.

This year, the many thousands of supporters from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities right around metro and regional Victoria are invited to make their way to Federation Square to join Michael and The Long Walk team from 2.30pm to take part in Indigenous cultural activities and entertainment (from 2.30pm to 5.30pm).

At approximately 5.15pm, Michael will address supporters, before leading them in a rendition of what is becoming the Long Walk anthem Come Walk With Me, joined by internationally acclaimed flautist, Jane Rutter, and other performers.

Michael, together with Long Walk original walkers and Stolen Generations representatives, will then lead all walkers and supporters from Federation Square across the William Barak bridge to the MCG, to take part in the Dreamtime at the G pre match entertainment and then the Essendon vs Richmond match. The Dreamtime at the G match is part of the AFLs National Indigenous Round.

1000 nominated walkers, will walk onto the hallowed turf of the MCG, to sit around symbolic campfires, as the Dreamtime at the G entertainment launches this years event.

Iconic songwriters and performers, Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody, along with Indigenous singers, Ursula Yovich and Jessica Mauboy, and well known didgeridoo player, Ron Murray, will lead the Dreamtime entertainment.

This year a highlight of the event will be 50,000 glow sticks which will be given out free to football patrons attending the match, to illuminate the MCG when the MCG lights are turned off during the pre-match Dreamtime entertainment. The glow sticks have been generously sponsored by Telstra and Bigpond, the 50,000 will be given out free to match patrons as they enter the MCG for the game.

The Long Walk also acknowledges the support of event sponsors DESA, Telstra, Australia Post, AFL, Federation Square and our major partner Essendon Football Club.

Since Essendon legend Michael Long walked to Canberra in 2004, the Long Walk has gained momentum and stature.

To further promote reconciliation and awareness, on Friday, May 23rd, the day prior The Long Walks Saturday activities, The City of Melbourne and Reconciliation Victoria will hold a Reconciliation event at Federation Square

The Long Walk Activities: Saturday, May 24, 2008

2.30pm Free entertainment at Federation Square

5.15pm Michael Long addresses supporters at Square

5.50pm Walkers depart for MCG with Michael Long

6.45pm Walkers enter MCG oval

7.00pm Pre-Match entertainment

7.45pm Dreamtime Match commences

More info on The Long Walk on Saturday 24 May