The Michael Long Foundation Ltd is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting education and football programs for Indigenous Australians. It operates primarily through the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre (MLLLC), which is managed by the Australian Football League Northern Territory (AFLNT). The foundation’s programs aim to unlock the potential of Indigenous youth, enrich their lives, and ensure they receive comparable opportunities to their non-Indigenous peers.

History and Background

Founded with the vision of fostering positive outcomes for Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, the Michael Long Foundation builds on the legacy of Michael Long, a former AFL star and Indigenous advocate. Since the official opening of the MLLLC in 2015, more than 800 children have benefited from community-based education and leadership programs tailored to their needs.

Programs and Activities

Education Programs

The foundation’s education initiatives focus heavily on improving school attendance, student behaviour, and overall engagement. The curriculum is uniquely AFL-themed, recognizing the important role football plays in students' lives while extending its focus beyond sport. Key program outcomes include increased school completion rates, improved work readiness, and enhanced awareness of career and life opportunities.

Remote Football Projects

Supporting AFLNT’s nationally recognized remote football projects, the foundation invests in community-based competitions and programs across remote Indigenous communities. Remote Development Managers live and work in various locations such as Central Australia, Elcho Island, Gove, Groote Eylandt, Lajamanu, Maningrida, the Tiwi Islands, and Wadeye, delivering location-specific programs that promote positive lifestyle choices. These include health messaging around road safety, nutrition, anti-violence, and substance abuse.

Talent Pathways

The foundation also helps talented Indigenous footballers connect with AFL pathways and employment opportunities, fostering leadership and personal development aligned with sporting excellence and community engagement.

Vision and Impact

The Michael Long Foundation is committed to creating leaders who positively impact their communities and themselves. It operates on Larrakia country in Darwin, acknowledging the traditional owners and fostering a positive future for Aboriginal communities. Through partnerships and community-driven approaches, the foundation aims to pave the way for brighter futures for Indigenous youth by addressing educational engagement and community wellbeing.

Governance and Registration

Michael Long Foundation Ltd is registered as a charitable entity under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 30613149661. It is classified as an education support program and operates primarily from the Northern Territory.

This foundation represents an important effort to use sport and education as means to support Indigenous Australians, continuing the advocacy and leadership legacy of its namesake, Michael Long, who has been a prominent figure in both football and Indigenous community affairs.

[1] https://www.michaellongfoundation.org.au [2] https://www.michaellongfoundation.org.au/about-michael-long-foundation [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/97521e89-3aaf-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/97521e89-3aaf-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/documents/9e5b0ae5-21e1-ee11-904c-00224896c159 [5] https://ictv.com.au/video/5000-michael-long-i-am-australian-project-1-million