Long walk to justic for Geelong leaders

Jessica Benton
TWO of Geelong’s indigenous community leaders will embark on a journey by foot this weekend to raise awareness about the plight of Aboriginal Australians.
Darron Muir and event chairperson Merryn Apma will take part in Saturday’s The Long Walk at Melbourne’s Federation Square before the AFL’s Dreamtime match at the MCG.
Ms Apma said the Long Walk aimed to raise awareness about indigenous health, employment and education.
“I’m one of the original walkers from the 2004 walk from Melbourne to Canberra with Michael Long to represent all indigenous Australians and get their issues back on the national agenda. I also did the 2005 Geelong-to-Melbourne walk,” Ms Apma said.
“I made a decision back then to stand up for indigenous women and support them and it was one of the best experiences of my life.”
Ms Apma said the Long Walk highlighted that Australia still had “a lot of indigenous people suffering”.
“Since the Prime Minister’s apology, which was fabulous, there hasn’t been anything done in terms of compensation for the stolen generation,” she said.
“It’s all the issues that go with it – drugs, alcohol and homelessness – it’s all still happening today.”
The duo will join former Essendon AFL footballer Michael Long and thousands of indigenous and non-indigenous participants in the walk.
The event will showcase live music from indigenous performers such as the Grenadines, Rachel Wirrpanda and Joe Geia Band.
Ms Apma called on the Geelong community to support The Long Walk.
“We invite everyone from the Geelong community to join us at Federation Square and enjoy the market stalls, atmosphere and live music,” she said.