Michael Long has called on indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to come together for the Long Walk to Dreamtime at the ‘G.

Long is unable to make the trip to Melbourne for this weekend’s celebrations as he continues to recover from ill health.

In his absence, the Long Walk Original Walkers, Essendon past players including Gavin Wanganeen, Derek Kickett and Che Cockatoo-Collins, Senator Pat Dodson, Senator Nigel Scullion, Kevin Sheedy, Nova Peris, Lindsay Tanner, Xavier Campbell, Richard Goyder and Gill McLachlan will lead the Long Walk from Federation Square to the MCG.

The champion player and Indigenous leader said he was overwhelmed by the show of solidarity.

“The amount of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, football fans and members of the community who have committed to walking together on Saturday night will be really powerful, and demonstrates we are heading in the right direction as a nation,” Long said.

“I am disappointed I can’t be there in person, but the Long Walk is not about me, it’s about continuing the conversation about how we can improve the everyday lives, education and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

“This is a great week where Indigenous culture and community is front and centre, we’ll have more than 20,000 walkers make their way from Federation Square to the Dreamtime at the ‘G, and it will all be capped off with what should be a great game of footy.”

Long Walk Board Member and Olympic Gold Medallist, Nova Peris OAM, said it was honour to be asked to help lead the Long Walk on Saturday night.

“The work Michael Long, Kevin Sheedy and the Essendon Football Club have done to grow the Long Walk and the Dreamtime at the ‘G is incredible,” Peris said.

“The walk and the match means so much to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, not only does it celebrate our proud culture, but it inspires our young people.”

“To walk alongside Senator Pat Dodson, Sheeds and some of the great Indigenous players to pull on the red and black, is going to be a special and significant moment.”

“The Long Walk is a powerful experience. To have more than 20,000 people walk together to say we care about creating better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is incredible.”

The Long Walk festivities start at Federation Square at 2:00pm and feature a strong line-up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural activities and music acts including, The Indigenous Hip Hop Crew, Blackfire, Bridz, Soul Chic, Russel Robertson and Phil Ceberano and Brolga Boys.

The walk will depart Federation Square at 5:30pm.