23 MAY 2025
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is proud to once again partner with The Long Walk for the 2025 Walk to the ‘G event. This partnership provides children, young people, carers and their families with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the Walk to the ‘G, followed by access to the Dreamtime at the ‘G AFL match.
This year, 18 young people involved with VACCA’s ENGAGE youth program will play a key role during the Walk to the ‘G, having been selected to carry the Long Walk banner onto the MCG. For many, it will be the first time they have visited the iconic stadium.
“It’s really special to be able to provide opportunities like this for our young people,” said Muriel Bamblett, VACCA CEO. “For many of them it will be their first AFL game, first trip to Melbourne, first time on a tram or train. It’s a huge day of excitement.”
VACCA‘s ENGAGE youth program provides space for Aboriginal young people aged 12-18 living in the Ovens Murray region to develop their leadership skills through group work, while strengthening their cultural connections.
Program participants are encouraged to explore education and training pathways by attending career expos and career-readiness workshops. A key element of ENGAGE is connecting young people with their local Aboriginal community, where they are supported to build their cultural knowledge, develop strong social connections, and foster a sense of pride in their Aboriginal identity.
“When Aboriginal children and young people are given the opportunity to connect with their culture, they thrive. Programs like ENGAGE support young people to build those connections to their community, celebrate their culture, and develop life skills,” said Ms Bamblett. “We see sibling groups within the program, younger siblings following in their brother or sister’s footsteps. They see the fun, but what they get from the program long-term is so much more.”
As part of the pre-match festivities, the Long Walk event village will play host to some of Australia’s leading Indigenous performing artists, with free sport and art activations to keep families and children entertained until the first bounce.
“The day is about celebrating Aboriginal culture, and for the young people in VACCA’s programs, our carers and the children in their care, it’s an experience they’ll never forget,” said Ms Bamblett.
Event Details: The Long Walk & Dreamtime at the ‘G
Friday 23 May, 2025
Event village: Birrarung Marr Hilltop – from 3PM
The Walk to the ‘G - from 5.30PM
- ENDS -
FOR RELEASE –
Beth Cesarin - Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
PH: 0472 505 780 E: bethc@vacca.org
ABOUT VACCA - www.vacca.org
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is Victoria’s Peak Voice for Aboriginal children. We are the leading provider of Aboriginal child and family services, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people, and families in the community for over 47 years as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we exist to support culturally strong, safe, and thriving Aboriginal communities. We deliver over 80 programs across Victoria including child and family services, family violence, support for stolen generations, child protection, cultural strengthening programs, mental health, financial services, justice and redress support, early years, and homelessness services.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to their children and young people who are the future elders and caretakers of this great land.