Honouring Michael Long’s Legacy and Investing in the Next Generation
In the spirit of NAIDOC Week 2025, The Long Foundation proudly stood alongside Mob Jobs and First Nations Traffic Management (FNTM) to celebrate this year’s powerful theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”Held on Wurundjeri Country at the Carlton Football Club, the event brought community together to reflect, honour, and invest in the strength and future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At the heart of this celebration was Michael Long, a national icon and tireless advocate for First Nations peoples, who was honoured as the 2025 NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. His lifelong commitment to truth-telling, opportunity, and leadership has left an indelible mark on generations of Australians and continues to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
Michael Long: A Legacy That Lights the Way
In recognition of Michael’s extraordinary contributions, Mob Jobs and FNTM proudly donated $5,000 towards a commissioned artwork by celebrated artist Alex Kerr. The piece, which was later auctioned in an inspiring show of unity and generosity, embodies this year’s NAIDOC theme: “Strength, Vision & Legacy.”
Led with spirit and camaraderie by Alex Martins, CEO of The Long Foundation, the artwork auction reflected not just the creative brilliance of our communities, but also the enduring commitment to reinvesting in First Nations futures.
Michael’s legacy continues to serve as a guiding force not just as a former football champion and leader, but as a symbol of hope, equity and courage in the face of adversity.
Voices of Truth, Strength and Solidarity
The event also spotlighted key voices in community-led change:
Travis Lovett, former Deputy Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, shared his reflections from the recent Walk for Truth an initiative that brought together leaders including Uncle Lionel Dukakis, FNTM, Mob Jobs and allies in a collective act of healing and truth-telling.
Panelists such as Bonnie Dukakis (Koorie Youth Council), Jethro Calma-Holt (Coles Group), and Jessie Motlik brought energy, wisdom and perspective to the conversations around intergenerational leadership.
The event was seamlessly emceed by Sara Stuart, with heartfelt contributions from Peter O’Brien and Lionel Dukakis, who continue to uplift community through employment, culture and visibility.
A Future Built on Legacy
For The Long Foundation, NAIDOC Week 2025 was not just a celebration it was a reaffirmation of our shared purpose: to empower the next generation through truth, visibility and opportunity.
We extend our deepest thanks to Mob Jobs, FNTM, the Carlton Football Club, and all who contributed to this meaningful event.
Most importantly, we honour the enduring legacy of Michael Long a true champion of community, justice and vision whose voice continues to shape a more equitable Australia for First Nations peoples.
The Long Foundation remains committed to standing with community, walking forward in unity, and ensuring the next generation has the tools, support and strength to carry our stories and our legacy onward.