The Dreamtime at the ‘G match between Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs will be played this Saturday night, May 22 at the MCG.
The annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match recognises the significant role the Indigenous community has played in shaping Australian Football.
The Long Walk will again play a key role on the night. Long Walk activities commence at Federation Square from 4pm, with the walk to the MCG via Birrarung Marr to begin at 5.50pm. Six hundred walkers will make their way onto the MCG surface as part of the pre-match entertainment.
From 7pm the pre-match entertainment will feature Archie Roach, Bart Willoughby with special guests Deline Briscoe and Tjimba Possum Burns and Movement Australia Dancers.
The pre-match will tell the story of the Creator Spirits of the seven major stadiums where AFL matches are played; MCG and Etihad Stadium - Bunjil the Eagle, AAMI Stadium - Tjilbruke the Glossy Ibis, SCG - Baimi, Gabba - Jabiru the Wader Bird, Skilled Stadium - Bunjil the Eagle, Subiaco - Wagyl the Rainbow Serpent.
Prior to the match, respected Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy-Wandin will conduct a short ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony to welcome the clubs and spectators to the traditional lands of the local Indigenous community.
At the conclusion the game, the player judged best on ground will be presented with the Yiooken award. Dean Polo (2006) and Nathan Foley (2008) are among previous winners of the award.
Dreamtime at the ‘G activities
3.45pm MCG gates open
4.00pm Curtain-raiser match commences
4.00pm Long Walk activities commence at Federation Square
5.50pm Long Walk leaves Federation Square for the MCG
6.20pm Walkers arrive at MCG
6.55pm 600 walkers enter the MCG as part of pre-match entertainment
7.00pm Pre-match entertainment commences
7.40pm Welcome to Country Ceremony performed by Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin
7.45pm Match commences
The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is proud to support Dreamtime at the ‘G and associated matches for a fifth year in 2010.
In collaboration with the AFL and its corporate partners, DEEWR highlights the opportunities for corporate Australia to take a leading role in closing the economic and social gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Through its education, training and employment programs and the Learn Earn Legend! message, DEEWR also strives to engage and assist young Indigenous Australians to help themselves and their community for a brighter future.
Dreamtime at the G is supported by DESA Australia and the Melbourne Cricket Club.
