Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades are thrilled to announce the return of the Little Long Walk for BBL|13.
In partnership with Michael Long and The Long Walk, supporters will unite for a walk into Marvel Stadium ahead of the Renegades’ First Nations Round against Hobart Hurricanes on January 4.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural walk, the event is a manifestation of the Renegades’ commitment to bringing fans, players and community together in a show of solidarity and support.
The Little Long Walk will begin at Hub Park – and include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony – before making its way to Marvel Stadium.
Participants will walk around the ground, sit in a dedicated bay and enjoy a front-row view of the action.
This season’s Little Long Walk will be open to 300 Renegades members, fans and Long Walk supporters who are asked to register their interest here. All registered participants will receive a complementary ticket to the game.
The Long Walk has been operating for the past 19 years, and is a charity inspired by Michael Long’s walk to Canberra in 2004 to put the lives and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people back on the agenda.
Long hit the tarmac again in 2023, walking from Melbourne to Canberra’s Parliament House in support of the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.
The Long Walk spokesperson, Leanne Brook, said:
“The Long Walk is very excited to be partnering with the Melbourne Renegades again for the BBL Little Long Walk,” Aunty Leanne said.
“We can’t wait to see Renegades’ members and fans join us on January 4 in the spirit of genuine Reconciliation to acknowledge and celebrate Australia’s First Nations peoples and cultures.”
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten said:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Long Walk again and host the second Little Long Walk this Big Bash season,” Mr. Rosengarten said.
“Our standalone First Nations Round provides the club a platform to reinforce our commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the impact of Australia’s Indigenous communities.
“Our inaugural Little Long Walk was a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming our members, fans and the wider community back in what will be another special evening.”
The Big Bash League’s First Nations rounds will, for the first time, hosted by clubs in standalone fixtures.
Debuted by its WBBL squad against the Perth Scorchers on November 3, the Melbourne Renegades will wear its First Nations kit designed by local artist and proud Peek and Kirrae Whurrong woman Bayley Mifsud (Merindah-Gunya) in collaboration with the Renegades’ own and Jawoyn woman Ella Hayward.
View more of the Renegades’ First Nations kit and the inspiration behind the design here.
