On Saturday the 12th August the Doveton FNC will hold its annually celebrated Indigenous game against Narre Warren scheduled for a 7pm start. The coach of Doveton is Aaron Davey and Narre Warren, Heath Black.
From 4pm on Saturday see below the wonderful events planned at the AJ Robinson Reserve that you can be a part of for what is a memorable experience to cherish for the rest of your life. This is an inaugural event to to pencil in on your yearly calender.
Date: Saturday 12th August.
Place: Netball stadium car park, adjacent to the footy ground.
Time: 4.15pm for a 4.30pm walk start.
5pm to 7pm Ceremonies.
7pm to 10pm Live SEFNL broadcast game Doveton v Narre Warren.
ENTRY: There is no cost in participation for the "Long Walk". Upon arriving at the ground, entry to AJ Robinson reserve is $10. When you mention you're participating in the walk, $5 goes to the Long Walk Foundation & $5 to the Doveton FNC indigenous events cause for the evening.
Traditionally Doveton each year holds a ceremony with no exception featuring dancing as a pre match entertainment. This year will be something to behold with The Long Walk Foundation in partnership with the Essendon Football Club holding a "Long Walk" also prior to the game. Of course led by the man himself. Michael Long! This is the first time this has been held in suburban Melbourne outside the annual dream time at the G (Essendon v Richmond).
Michael will lead a large contingent of people including dignitaries, personalities, representatives of clubs and the greater community etc.
Michael Long will lead the 'Long Walk" down Frawley rd, Doveton to Oak st. Start time is 4.30pm. Please arrive early. The destination is the A J Robinson Reserve, home of the Doveton FNC. Distance is approxametely 600 metres. Police will be on hand to assist with road closure. On arrival at the reserve and a possible lap of the ground, shortly after there will be traditional indigenous dancing and a ceremony marking the occasion. Michael Long and other personalities will be speaking in the social rooms prior to the match. Casey Radio will broadcast live the pre match entertainment between 5pm to 7pm then the game of the round (SEFNL) from 7pm onwards.
History of the event: The Long walk started in 2004 from Melbourne to Canberra finishing at the steps of Parliament House. It has been held every year subsequent from FederationSquare, through Birrarung Marr then to the MCG for a lap of the ground celebrating dreamtime at the MCG. There have been 2 other "Long Walks" held in Brisbane and Leongatha however this will be the first within suburburn Melbourne.
The Long Walk trust is a charity inspired by Essendon champion Michael Long's walk to Canberra. It raises funds and awareness to improve, support Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders' health and wellbeing. It reaches up to 15,000 students alone. That's just the beginning.