The Long Walk has proudly kicked off its 2013 campaign for the first time in Alice Springs.
Taking place from the Town Council Lawn to Traeger Park on Saturday, students from Centralian College of Alice Springs came together to organise this year’s walk after being inspired by The Long Walk’s schools program Walk the Tak.
The program tells the story of Michael Long’s walk to Canberra as a way to introduce Aboriginal Studies in to the classroom while encouraging students to create change.
Joined by Michael Long, Federal Member Warren Snowdon, Chief Minister Adam Giles and Mayor Damien Ryan and other members of the Alice Springs community, students Hayley Baliva and Cassie Boyle called on the community of Alice Springs “to join with us to stop the violence, stop the racism and put an end to poverty.”
The students organised The Long Walk in Alice Springs to voice their concern about the amount of violence, substance abuse and poverty in the community and to show that the youth of Alice Springs care about these issues.
Their speeches were responded to by Adam Giles, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and Michael Long, Patron of The Long Walk, who congratulated them on their strong messages and thanked them for organising the very first The Long Walk Alice Springs.
The Long Walk is a charity inspired by AFL champion Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to talk to the Prime Minister about putting the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people back on the national agenda.
Its purpose is to raise awareness to improve and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heath, wellbeing and life opportunities.
“The Long Walk charity raises awareness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing. We are so proud to have supported these students to organise a public event, show their leadership abilities and voice their concerns in front of politicians, the media and a 3,000 strong crowd at The Lightning Cup Carnival,” The Long Walk General Manager, Kim Kruger, said.
“They have brought a powerful message to their community today. The students also learnt some valuable skills through this event which I’m sure they will call on again in the future.”
The Long Walk is delighted to support these inspiring young people in their endeavour which also has the support of the traditional owners and Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, AFL NT and the Lightning Cup Carnival.
Earlier this year, The Long Walk also launched its inaugural membership drive – a new initiative for the charity to support the events and pgrams The Long Walk presents each year.
The Long Walk membership package includes:
- 2013 The Long Walk Membership Tee
- Member Bumper Sticker
- Newsletter Subscription
Members can also sign up for the coveted on-ground walk with Michael Long on the hallowed turf of the MCG, as part of the pre-match entertainment before the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash – a flagship event of the AFL’s Indigenous Round. This offer is only available to The Long Walk members and is strictly limited.
The Long Walk appreciates the support of all and we look forward to seeing you at one of our walks around the country this year.
25 May – The Long Walk Melbourne, Federation Square to MCG
25 May – The Long Walk Sydney
1 June – The Long Walk Darwin
Visit thelongwalk.com.au to purchase your 2013 membership today.
