In 2004, former AFL star Michael Long walked from Melbourne to Canberra to speak with the then Prime Minister John Howard about Indigenous affairs.

Since then the campaign has become an annual event.

Watch online: Long Strides

This year marks The Long Walk's fifth anniversary, with a celebration at Melbourne's Federation Square involving the public, celebrities, musicians and Michael Long himself.

TRANSCRIPT

It's been five years since AFL star Michael Long walked from Melbourne to Canberra to speak with then prime minister John Howard about Indigenous affairs. Since then, the Long Walk has evolved into an annual event with a big Indigenous and non-Indigenous following. Video journalist Kris Flanders has the story.

VOICEOVER: Mile after mile, countless bottles of water and the odd blistered foot - the Long Walk has become an annual event to raise awareness of Indigenous issues. Five years since it all began, the event's founder, Michael Long, says it's still relevant.

MICHAEL LONG, AFL LEGEND: The main thing is that, like everyone, trying to play their part to change it for a better future.

VOICEOVER: This year, the Long Walk saw people gather at Federation Square for music and cultural celebrations.

MAN 1: I think it's a very good way to acknowledge Indigenous people in Australia.

MAN 2: It makes us proud to be Indigenous.

WOMAN: An event like this actually raises awareness of what it's all about. I just really thank God for people like Michael Long who actually exposed it to the national leaders.

VOICEOVER: Joining Michael on the journey were some of Australia's most admired sportspeople.

CATHY FREEMAN: An event like the Long Walk is exceptionally important, because it galvanises the community, it brings all of the Indigenous community together and it brings all of Australia together, actually.

KYLE VANDER-KUYP: This is my second time supporting him and just walking to the 'G and watching the footy game, and I think it's just been growing every year, so I really think it's a great thing.

VOICEOVER: Michael and the walkers strode out onto the MCG, beginning the celebrations for the AFL's Indigenous Round. Richmond and Essendon would provide the action, but before a ball was kicked, the crowd were entertained by two prominent Indigenous performers.

DAN SULTAN: Our situation as a people, you know, doesn't just exist in rural areas. It exists everywhere, and I think to have a stage and a platform like this, like the 'G and the football, is a very positive thing. It's going to be great - I love Gurrumul.

VOICEOVER: The singers have performed at some of Australia's top venues, but believe that the MCG gig for the AFL's Indigenous Round will be something they'll always remember. (SINGS) # This land is mine... #

MICHAEL LONG: It's just grown more and more, I think the theme around the game and what we're ultimately for here, you know, the recognition of what community has played in football and our past and present players, and you just only have to look at the game now and you just see and you just look how proud of the the way the players are still continuing that legacy.

VOICEOVER: And just for the record, the result of the 'Dreamtime at the 'G' match saw Michael's beloved Essendon beat Richmond, giving him another reason to smile.
Source: Living Black SBS