Thousands turn up for Long Walk to honour Indigenous Australians ahead of Dreamtime event

More than 6000 people have joined the Long Walk from the WACA to Optus Stadium this afternoon ahead of the historic Dreamtime clash.

The movement was started by Essendon champion Michael Long who famously walked from Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra in 2004 to put Indigenous issues on the national agenda.

Long and another Essendon legend, Gavin Wanganeen, led the march, with Premier Mark McGowan joining them.

The Wadumbah Aboriginal Dance Group gave a traditional performance just before the walk, with the crowd coming alive during the show.

Speaking to The West Australian, Long said it was a “fantastic turnout”.

“We never knew how many people were going to be here, but it’s been fantastic,” he said.

Speaking 17 years after the political walk, Long said “we’ve come a long way”.

“We’re lucky to have the event as part of Dreamtime,” he said.

“Footy has done a lot of good things in terms of racism.

“History hasn’t always been kind, but through the power of football, we’ve been able to unite people and celebrate the beautiful history and culture of the Noongar people.”

Long said he hoped there would be plenty more Long Walk events held in Perth — the walk had to be moved from the MCG after a COVID outbreak in Victoria.

The electric crowd donning black, yellow and red cheered every time Long’s name was read out.

There were huge smiles as the crowd crossed the bridge to Optus Stadium, and deafening cheers as the walkers reached the Nicky Winmar statue.

“Thank you, Nicky Winmar,” one woman yelled.

Wanganeen said he had great memories of playing AFL in WA.

“To be here with Longy and to do the walk with him ... he really took me under his wing, I’m so proud of what he’s done for Aboriginal people ... we love him.”

Premier Mark McGowan also praised Long for his walk in 2004.

“It’s important that we not only march, but we take action,” Mr McGowan said.

Noongar girls Shakaya Smith and Shaelyn Goddard said they were amazed by the support from the community.

They said there was still a long way to go, but events like today’s Dreamtime clash were helping to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Former Fremantle Dockers superstar Des Headland — who now advocates for equal rights for First Nation Australians — was also one of the many prominent Indigenous identities at today’s Dreamtime event.

He said he was thrilled about the The Long Walk being held in Perth for the first time, citing Michael Long as one of his role models.

A group who travelled from Nileribanjen land (Broome) to attend the Long Walk and Dreamtime match said it was an “incredible milestone” for Western Australia.

“Reconciliation week is a time for us to heal as a whole country, not as individuals,” they said.

“It’s been a long journey of reconciliation for us. Events like this bring us together, just look around and you can see it.”

Another young family of five siblings travelled from the Kimberly to participate in the Long Walk.

The four brothers and one sister from the Khan family said they were excited to be part of history.

“It’s going to be a great day, and it means a lot for our people. To be here and join our brothers and sisters on this reconciliation walk is unreal,” one of the brothers said.

Wrapped in the Aboriginal flag with traditional dot paintings on their face, the family said they were proud to represent their culture over the WA long weekend.

Barry Winmar — a Whadjuk Noongar man — performed a traditional smoking ceremony for the long walk.

“The purpose of the ceremony is to allow for the good spirits to welcome and protect visitors on Noongar land,” Mr Winmar said.

Mr Winmar believes today showcases a strong start for Noongar representation in the AFL.

“I think today will give an opportunity for Noongar people to be a part of the national AFL scene — having such a key community event being held on Noongar country,” he said

“As for us Noongar people, we have been given the opportunity to showcase our connection to country on a national platform, as well as reiterating the key message of the Long Walk.”

Mr Winmar said he hoped reconciliation would pave the way forward for future generations.

“There is a lot of work to do, and this is about action.”