The Long Walk 2010

Numbers grow in support of Indigenous achievement and wellbeing

Mark Davie

8 June 2010

The Long Walk 2010 proved an enormous hit with outstanding attendance and support

The day started cold but there was not a cloud in the sky when over 13,000 people joined The Long Walk at Federation Square on Saturday 22 May, 2010.  Starting with a Welcome to Country by Annette Xiberras, from the Wurundjeri Land Council, the event included the announcement of the Telstra Foundation's support for The Long Walk's schools' program, Get the Conversation Started to grow nationally over the next three years.

MC Kevin Kropinyeri kept things lively with his deadly brand of humour, and thousands thrilled to the beats of Tjimba and the Yung Warriors when they joined forces with Indigenous Hip Hop projects dance workshops. Other activities included the ABS handball competion, a floor talk in the National Gallery of Victoria with The Long Walk 2010 tee shirt designer, Clinton Nain, traditional Indigenous games with Richmond Football Club, the launch of Qantas' Boots and Dreams exhibition with AFL players Eddie Betts and Trevor Varcoe, Catherine Freeman signed autographs and the Koorie Night Market's Mick Harding and Annette Sax demonstrated wood carving and Indigenous educational resources.

"The crowd at Fed Square was much bigger than last year. It's heartening to see so many people supporting Indigenous achivevement and wellbeing," Michael Long said.

Many were moved to tears when Archie Roach, his nephew Dave Arden and son, Amos Roach remembered the legendary Ruby Hunter and were warmed by the chorus of Archie's footy song, The Colour of Your Jumper, chanting,  "It's the colour of your jumper, not the colour of your skin!"

QANTAS donated $50 for every goal kicked in the AFL round,  and about 100 volunteers from Essendon Football Club, the Plumbers Union, ANZ, and the Indigenous community helped make the event a success.

After the walk through Birrarung Marr, and over the William Barak Bridge, 600 walkers entered the MCG through the Michael Long Entrance to be part of the pre-match entertainment at Dreamtime at the 'G, the annual clash between Essendon and Richmond.

Michael Long was joined on the ground by 600 people from all over Australia. These included Indigenous students who participated in The Long Walk's programs from Northlands, Worawa, Reservoir District and Ballert Murrup Colleges as well as the Dandenong Co-op Youth Group and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) kids, over 100 Indigenous kids sponsored by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, original walkers, and legends Catherine Freeman and Uncle Syd Jackson.

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