A new initiative spearheaded by AFL great Michael Long is set to equip young Indigenous Australians with the vital tools needed to secure meaningful, long-term careers.
Walking into Employment
The Michael Long Foundation has joined forces with retail giant Coles, one of the country's largest private sector employers of First Nations people, to deliver the Walking into Employment with Coles program. This ambitious partnership was officially launched in November 2025.
The program is designed specifically for First Nations youth aged 15 to 25 in the Northern Territory and Victoria. It consists of a series of 20 culturally safe, skills-based workshops that focus on practical job readiness.
Building Skills and Confidence
Participants will gain hands-on experience in essential areas such as resume writing, mastering interview techniques, and understanding workplace expectations. A core component of the program is its emphasis on celebrating cultural identity and personal strengths as valuable assets in a professional environment.
Michael Long, a proud Anmatyerre, Marranunggu and Tiwi man and founder of the foundation, emphasised the program's transformative potential. "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," he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Coles for its partnership, noting the company's understanding of the power of culture in shaping confidence.
Mentorship and Lasting Pathways
Each young person involved in the program will be matched with a dedicated mentor from the Michael Long Foundation. This mentor will provide ongoing support, guiding participants as they pursue real job opportunities, including potential roles with Coles.
The program will engage youth from regional and rural Indigenous communities, with some expected to travel hundreds of kilometres to take part. This underscores the significant need and demand for such targeted initiatives outside major metropolitan centres.
Coles, which employs over 115,000 team members nationally, has 3.5 per cent of its workforce identifying as Indigenous. Sara Stuart, Coles head of Indigenous affairs and a proud Kamilaroi woman, said the partnership reflects the company's deep commitment to creating lasting employment pathways.
"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 stated. "Coles knows how important it is to back young people early with the right support, strong mentors, and real opportunities."
