World Footy News

When the name Michael Long is mentioned, many thoughts race back to the 1993 AFL Grand Final where his exploits won him the Norm Smith Medal, and probably won Essendon the premiership. His deeds have placed him in the same stellar orbit as other great indigenous footballers like Polly Farmer, Barry Cable, Maurice Rioli and Steven Michael to name just a few. More recently it has been his willingness to strive for indigenous causes which has led to “The Long Walk” and “Dreamtime At The G”: events which celebrate the histories and advance the potential  opportunities of indigenous Australians. His latest venture is the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre which strives to make the transition for indigenous youth more attainable through employment, education, socialisation and opportunity as they leave their homes and communities to follow their football dreams in the larger cities. This latest press release from the AFLNT details the union of this centre with the Charles Darwin University (CDU).

AFL Northern Territory Indigenous Ambassador and AFL legend Michael Long will today sign an agreement which will see Charles Darwin University become an Official Education Partner of the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre (MLLLC). 

The MLLLC is due to enter the construction phase in early November and the agreement will formalise collaboration between CDU and the centre. The centre has been developed to generate positive outcomes for young Indigenous Territorians.

CDU will provide program participants from remote NT communities with an overview of the higher education opportunities available to them at CDU.

In the coming months CDU will also work closely with AFLNT and a number of additional service providers to further develop and refine the array of unique educational modules specifically designed for delivery in the learning and leadership centre.

Michael Long, the project patron and key driver of the concept, is delighted with the CDU partnership.

“To have CDU on board to provide the program participants with information and mentoring is a significant milestone on the way to the realisation of my dream,” Mr Long said.

“The kids who will attend the centre deserve the best and I am confident that the collaboration with CDU will have an immensely positive impact on the programs we deliver.

“I view the signing of today’s agreement as an important step forward for this critically important project and I commend CDU for their foresight and for sharing my vision for future generations of Territorians.”

CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Leadership Professor Steve Larkin agreed and said the partnership would link sporting prowess with educational excellence and leadership.

“There is not much difference between the setting and achievement of sporting and academic goals,” Professor Larkin said.

“To be successful in both sport and study requires a vision, commitment, dedication, and hard work. There are no short cuts and we want these young people to approach their lives according to these values.”

“They have the potential to be our future Territory leaders,” he said. “We will be working with them with this at the forefront of our minds.”

For further information on the MLLLC please view the following video:   

http://www.aflnt.com.au/index.php?id=339

The MLLLC project is funded by the Australian Government initiative Regional Development Australia, Aboriginal Benefits Account, the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Football League.

Click the following link to see our previous story about the Michael Long Learing & Leadership Centre:

http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20130205231815266