The annual Dreamtime at the 'G match between Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs will take place this Saturday night, May 24 at the MCG. Now in its fourth year, Dreamtime at the 'G recognises the significant role the Indigenous community has played in shaping Australian Football.

To mark the occasion, pre-match entertainment will feature performances by highly acclaimed Indigenous artists Ursula Yovich, Ron Murray, Kev Carmody, Jessica Mauboy and also Paul Kelly.

Pre-match entertainment will also incorporate The Long Walk. Long Walk activities commence at Federation Square from 2.30pm, with the walk to the MCG via Birrarung Marr to begin at 5.50pm. 1000 walkers will make their way onto the MCG surface as part of the pre-match entertainment.

Prior to the match, respected Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy-Wandin, will conduct a short ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony to welcome the clubs and spectators to the traditional lands of the local Indigenous community.

Dreamtime at the 'G will kick off with a curtain raiser match to be played between Santa Teresa from Alice Springs and local Indigenous team Fitzroy Stars.

Essendon Football Club and the AFL have allocated 5000 general admission tickets for the game to local Indigenous community organisations who were invited to apply.
 
At the conclusion the game, the player judged best on ground will be presented with the Yiooken award. Pronounced yie-yoo-ken, it is a word from the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people which means ‘dreaming’.

The Australian Government through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is supporting Dreamtime at the G for a third year in 2008.

In collaboration with the AFL and its corporate partners, DEEWR highlight the opportunities for corporate Australia to take a leading role in closing the economic and social gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The AFL is a valued member of the DEEWR’s Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment program. Through this program, Indigenous Liaison Officers work with the AFL’s sponsors to create employment and training opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

Dreamtime at the 'G is also proudly supported by DESA Australia  - Essendon's Indigenous Community partner - and the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Dreamtime at the 'G Running Sheet

2.30pm – Long Walk activities commence at Federation Square
4.15pm - MCG gates open.
4.30pm - Curtain Raiser; Santa Teresa (NT) V Fitzroy Stars (VIC).
5.50pm - Long Walk leaves Federation Square for the MCG
6.20pm - Walkers arrive at MCG
6.45pm - 1000 walkers enter the MCG as part of pre-match entertainment
7.00pm – Pre-match entertainment commences (20 mins).
7.40pm – Welcome to Country Ceremony performed by Joy Murphy-Wandin.
7.45pm – Match commences.
8.50pm (approx) – Half Time. Members of the Qantas Kickstart program participate in half time grid games.
10.15 (approx) – Match concludes. Presentation of the Yiooken award.
 
Dreamtime Ball
Make sure you don’t miss one of the biggest events on the Essendon calendar – the 2008 Dreamtime Ball.
 
Proudly supported by DESA Australia, this exciting event will be held on Saturday the 31st of May at the Palladium Ballroom at Crown and will be a night of entertainment featuring a live and silent auction.
 
Actor, Aaron Pedersen will be the MC for the evening and The Young Divas are sure to have you on the dance floor when performing hits from their self-titled album and current release album ""New Attitude"".
 
Michael Long will be in attendance and funds raised on the night will go to The Long Walk to assist in achieving equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

This is a night not to be missed so early bookings are advised. For more information, click here or phone 9230 0390.