Program provider: Essendon Football club
The Essendon Football Club is one of the most famous sports clubs in Australia. The Club has a proud history on and off the field. It supports education, health, and community programs. This support helps people to thrive.
AFL legend Michael Long started The Long Walk. Its goal is to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. It aims to unite people through reconciliation.
Essendon and The Long Walk team up through sport to help people learn, connect, and grow. They build stronger, more inclusive communities. They do this through school programs, such as Marngrook Kids.
Program description
Marngrook Kids brings Indigenous culture to life through movement, play and storytelling.
The program is inspired by the Aboriginal game of Marngrook. It uses activities to build students cultural awareness and connection.
The program is led by a First Nations facilitator with Essendon Football Club staff. It can be adapted for all ages, with activities including:
- The games of Marngrook, Kai, and Edor
- Dreaming stories
- Introductory Indigenous language
- Exploration of art, symbols, and cultural artefacts.
Intended outcomes
- Positive participation in safe, fun activities (2)
- Enhanced health, wellbeing and physical activity (16)
- Increased cultural connection, pride and identity (18)
Program details
| Target audience | Grades 5-6 and years 7-9. For both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students |
|---|---|
| Delivery window | During school hours and school holidays |
| Program duration | One off 45-60 minute session |
| Group size | Minimum: 6 students Maximum: 30 students Maximum of 1 program group running concurrently |
| Geographic availability | Hume, Merri-Bek, Moonee Valley and Macedon Rangers Capacity to be delivered outside of these areas, however a travel surcharge beyond 25 km from Tullamarine is required |
| Delivery setting | School-based and in-person
|
| Program availability | 2026 – 2029, all terms and school holidays |
| Provider notes and assumptions | This program requires: · Access to an outdoor grassed area or basketball court · Access to hall or gym space as a wet weather contingency · A minimum of 1 school staff to maintain student supervision · Media consent is preferred but not compulsory · Access to a car park to bring in equipment · The program provides all equipment |
| Suitable for specialist schools and settings | The program can be adapted to support students with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, as well as those with additional needs |
| Program category | Sports and Physical Activity |
| Procurement category | Sports and physical activity - Short program - Cultural workshop [bespoke] |
| Program contact | Name: Brendan Hitchens E: bhitchens@essendonfc.com.au M: 0431 222 539 |
| Link to external website | Essendon Football Club |
| Provider has Betray of Trust Insurance | Yes |
| Supervision and duty of care | School to confirm supervision requirements and duty of care arrangements with provider when booking |
Core program costs
| Activity | Total cost (ex GST) | Total cost (inc GST) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single session | $400.00 | $440.00 | Minimum of 6 students, maximum of 30 |
Additional costs or optional extras
| Travel fee if outside the 4 listed LGAs / 25km from Tullamarine | Total cost (ex GST) | Total cost (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|
| 25-50km | $100.00 | $110.00 |
| 50-100km | $150.00 | $165.00 |
| 100-150km | $200.00 | $220.00 |
Updated