In November 2004, after returning home from yet another Aboriginal funeral, Essendon Footballer Michael Long embarked an historic trek, walking from his home in the suburbs of Melbourne all the way to Parliament House in Canberra – more than 650 kilometres. 

He took it upon himself to get Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues back on the national agenda … even if he had to walk all the way to Canberra to do it. He was joined on the road by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal supporters some walking for an hour, some for a day and some going all the way. 

While we wait for the announcement of when the Referendum will take place into an indigenous voice to parliament, the conversations continue. So starting this Sunday, the long walk is taking place again and stepping up the conversation, something we can all be a part of. 

Leanne Brooke from The Long Walk joined Rach & Dean on JOY Breakfast to tell them all about it.

The Equality Project is encouraging our community and all Melbournians to join them this Sunday and Monday at the Melbourne Town Hall and Windy Hill, showcasing the power of coming together and walking the talk to help get the YES vote over the line. 

You can find out more about how you can step up literally and figuratively and have the conversations that will see the nation voting YES to support a First Nations Voice to Parliament., by heading to thelongwalk.com.au, and registering to join the many Australians around the nation, walking to Canberra over the next two weeks to elevate the conversation and get the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in focus.