Little Long Walk 2025

In recognition of National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3 2025), students and staff from Eblana and Riviera eagerly participated in a Little Long Walk, in partnership with the Essendon Football Club, The Long Walk Foundation and Coles on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

The Little Long Walk is inspired by the remarkable journey of AFL footballer Michael Long. In 2004, Michael undertook an extraordinary trek of over 650km from Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Supporters from across Australia joined him along the way, united in their commitment to reconciliation. Now, Schools nationwide can show their solidarity by holding their own ‘Little Long Walk.’

On the day of our ‘Little Long Walk’, students from Foundation to Year 5 wore a splash of yellow and contributed a gold coin in support of ‘The Children’s Ground Approach,’ raising $508! This organisation empowers Indigenous children and families, fostering their laughter, pride, confidence, and opportunities. Before the walk, students received an inspiring talk from a Long Walk Foundation representative. They were also lucky enough to have Indigenous Outreach Hip Hop Crew come and demonstrate some traditional dance and hip hop.

To conclude our event, students embarked on a symbolic ‘Little Long Walk’ around Frogmore Oval, with the entire walk being filmed by Channel 7!  Many of you may have seen footage from this year’s Little Long Walk during the recent Dreamtime at the ‘G match between Essendon and Richmond on Friday 23 May, either on the broadcast or at the ground.

We were immensely proud to see our Foundation to Year 5 students featured as part of this powerful initiative, in partnership with the Essendon Football Club, The Long Walk Foundation, and Coles.