AFL legend Michael Long announced his 20th Anniversary of the Long Walk to Canberra and details of his the walk that will take place on Sunday 27th of August at midday leaving from Melbourne Town Hall then walking to Windy Hill in Essendon.
Michael will be walking to Canberra again like he did in 2004, this will also be in support of the Yes campaign for an Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Voice to Parliament.
The walk represents a celebration of Michael's initial walk in 2004. Michael Long famously set out from his home in Melbourne and headed for Canberra. After attending another Aboriginal funeral, and with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission set to be abolished, he wanted to put Aboriginal affairs back on the national agenda.
Statement from Michael Long OAM
To begin, I'd like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, and to pay my respects to their elders past and present.
Today, I want to ask all Australians a question. Will you come walk with me?
On Sunday August 27, I'll be setting off for Canberra from this Town Hall.
It's nearly 20 years since my first Long Walk.
Back then, I walked to ask Prime Minister John Howard three questions:
Where is the love for First Nations people? Where is the voice? Where is the vision?
Today, as we prepare to vote in the referendum, we are still asking the same questions. I want all Australians to come walk with me. I want all the sporting codes – Australian rules, soccer, netball, basketball, rugby, swimming, tennis – to come walk with me.
I want corporate Australia to come walk with me. I want community groups to come walk with me. And I want Aboriginal organisations to come walk with me.
I'll be heading through several regional towns, including Nagambie, Shepparton, Benalla, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Gundagai and Yass.
I'll get to Parliament House in Canberra on September 14.
Lace up your shoes. Come walk with me. And vote Yes.
You can register to join Michael at Melbourne Town Hall or on the walk on Sunday August 27th by visiting the website.