Essendon’s partnership with The Long Walk is set to enter a new frontier over the next five years.

What started as one man making a stand against the plight of his people, has grown into a national charity with marquee events and an industry leading education program which is now set to deliver its important message into every Primary School across the country.

The plan was outlined by General Manager of The Long Walk, Leanne Brooke, at the Trust's Women’s Luncheon last week.

The Long Walk’s ‘Walk the Talk’ program already has a presence in the education and corporate sector, but it’s a footprint The Long Walk Board is looking to build upon and Essendon will continue to play a key role. 

"It has been an important year of transition for the Long Walk Board and we now look forward to bringing our new strategic plan to life,” Essendon’s Chief Marketing Officer and Long Walk Board member Justin Rodski said.

“The Essendon Football Club is a proud partner of The Long Walk and the Club will shortly be launching its 4th Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

“We were the first club in the AFL to have a RAP and we will be launching a number of exciting new initiatives as part of the new RAP to not only support the vision of The Long Walk but strengthen and grow our partnership in the future and continue the great work and legacy of Michael Long.

“On behalf of the Long Walk Board I’d like to acknowledge our GM of the Long Walk, Leanne Brooke, and Chair Michael Long."

An Essendon delegation, featuring players, coaches and staff, will again head to the Northern Territory later this month where they will engage in a series of leadership and community initatives.

The trip will also include Next Generation Academy clinics in Essendon’s assigned regions, Tiwi Islands and West Arnham.