The Long Walk wins the 2023 Ganbu Guljin Melbourne Award.

Announced last Saturday night at the Melbourne Awards, the ganbu guljin Award (meaning ‘one mob’ in the Woi Wurrung language) recognises and celebrates the efforts of Aboriginal communities making a positive impact in Melbourne. Leanne Brooke is the Executive GM of Community, Indigenous Affairs and The Long Walk.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Long Walk this year, Essendon champion Michael Long once again embarked on a trek to Canberra, raising awareness for issues directly confronting Indigenous communities across Australia.

Long arrived at Parliament House on September 14, joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the final leg of the walk.

Executive GM of Community, Indigenous Affairs and The Long Walk Leanne Brooke said the award was great recognition for the charity’s work over the years.

“We are thrilled to have received the Aboriginal Melbourne – ganbu guljin award at the Melbourne Awards. To have our work in the community acknowledged is a wonderful testament to the positive impact The Long Walk is having,” Brooke said.

“It’s a privilege to lead The Long Walk and continue Michael Long’s walk. The Long Walk team is out in schools and the community every day celebrating, educating, and raising awareness about First Nations peoples and cultures.

“It’s work that we are all very proud of”.

In 2004, former AFL legend Michael Long walked from his home in Melbourne all the way to Parliament House in Canberra to champion the plight of Indigenous people. From this feat, the Long Walk charity was born, raising money to support Indigenous education programs.

Nineteen years on, Michael Long and the Long Walk returned to Melbourne with live music performed by some of Australia’s leading Indigenous artists, sport and art activations, food trucks and traditional workshops and ceremonies for families to enjoy.

The event concluded with the iconic Walk to the G, part of the traditional Dreamtime match between Essendon and Richmond at the MCG.