Fire Carriers
Our Lady of the Assumption Primary School
Michael Long
Michael Long is a former Indigenous Australian rules footballer. He is also the founder of the Long Walk. He was born on October 1 1969 in Darwin, Northern Territory and is the seventh of nine children - Brian, Noel, Chris, Steven, John, Patrick, Kathy and Susan.
Michael made his debut for Essendon at 20 years old in 1989. He won two premierships with Essendon, winning the Norm Smith medal in 1993. He played 190 games and kicked 143 goals. Michael even became the first indigenous man to captain an AFL team in 1999. He then retired in 2001.
Three years after he retired from AFL, Michael Long walked 650 kilometres from his home in Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra. The walk started on the 21st of November and ended on the 2nd of December 2004. Michael did this to talk to the Prime Minister, John Howard, about putting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues back on the national political agenda.
The Long Walk is still very well remembered today. Thousands of people walk to the MCG before the Dreamtime at the ‘G match to remember what Michael did. The Little Long Walk was also introduced for schools and communities to do a walk just like Michael did. It usually starts with a welcome to country and a smoking ceremony led by traditional owners.
Fire Carrier
Sophie Morel