AFL Great Michael Long Paves New Pathway for Indigenous Youth
A powerful new partnership is set to create tangible career pathways for young Indigenous Australians. The Michael Long Foundation has teamed up with retail giant Coles to launch a bespoke pre-employment program designed to equip First Nations youth with the essential tools for long-term career success.
Walking into Employment: A Culturally-Safe Program
The initiative, named 'Walking into Employment with Coles', will be delivered through a series of 20 culturally safe, skills-based sessions for participants aged 15 to 25 in the Northern Territory and Victoria. Founder of the foundation and Essendon football champion, Michael Long, emphasised the program's core mission is to empower young jobseekers to kickstart their professional lives.
"When young First Nations people see a workplace where they are respected and supported, they begin to see what’s possible for themselves, their families and their future," said Mr Long, a proud Anmatyerre, Marranunggu and Tiwi Aboriginal man.
The workshops will focus on practical job readiness, including:
- Resume building
- Interview skills
- Understanding workplace expectations
Critically, the program also celebrates cultural identity and personal strengths as vital assets in any workplace.
Building Lasting Pathways with Major Employer
This collaboration connects participants directly with one of the nation's largest private-sector employers of First Nations people. Coles employs over 115,000 team members, with 3.5 per cent identifying as Indigenous. Participants in the program will be matched with a mentor from the Michael Long Foundation and will be supported to pursue real job opportunities, including applying for roles with Coles.
The program will engage youth from regional and rural Indigenous communities, with some travelling hundreds of kilometres to take part. Sara Stuart, Coles head of Indigenous affairs and a proud Kamilaroi woman, said the program reflects the company's deep commitment.
"Partnering with the Michael Long Foundation allows us to support young people in a way that is grounded in culture, driven by community and shaped by trust," Ms Stuart said. "Coles knows how important it is to back young people early with the right support, strong mentors, and real opportunities in community and on Country."
The program was officially announced on November 13, 2025, marking a significant step in bridging the employment gap for Indigenous youth and fostering a more inclusive workforce for Australia's future.
