Bunurong Land Council has condemned an alleged attack at Camp Sovereignty at the weekend, and asked for a collective stand, from all, against violence.
This week, camp firekeeper and Gunai, Gunditjmara and Palawa person, Ash Ni Mara, recounted the alleged assault they endured at the weekend.
Ni Mara said the incident involved two people — one filming while the other began pulling wood out of the fire before later dragging and repeatedly hitting them, according to the ABC.
Police are investigating the incident.
Established in 2006 by the Krautungalung Elder, Camp Sovereignty is a peaceful site for community gathering, reflection and ceremony, and is also the resting place of repatriated remains of 38 Aboriginal Victorians in Kings Domain, just south of the Birrurung (Yarra River) on Bunurong/Boon-Wurrung Country.
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLC) said they were saddened and concerned by the alleged assault.
They said their thoughts are with the community and all affected by the incident.
BLC said they will continue to "stand up for our Community and work towards a future built on respect, understanding and peace" with a responsibility to care for Country and culturally-significant places.
"Camp Sovereignty is a sacred place. It is a place where Aboriginal Ancestors rest and where Community comes together for ceremony, reflection and connection to Culture. It deserves to be treated with dignity and respect," the said in a statement on Friday.
"Bunurong Land Council strongly condemns all forms of violence, hate and intimidation. Violence is never acceptable, and Aboriginal people should feel safe when gathering on Country and at places of cultural significance."
The Land Council added: "We encourage everyone to stand together against violence, support one another, and show respect for Aboriginal people, Culture and sacred places."
A Victoria Police spokesperson said they are investigating the incident. They said a man and a woman allegedly assaulted a 37-year-old victim at Kings Domain at about 9.20 pm on August 2.
"The offenders then fled on foot," the spokesperson said.
"The victim, from Reservoir, was treated at the scene for minor facial injuries."
The incident was the second alleged attack at Camp Sovereignty within 12 months, following the alleged larger-scale incident involving a now disbanded Neo-Nazi group.
In September last year, thousands rallied across Australia for the Sovereignty Never Ceded National Day of Action in response to the attack.
Guilty pleas were entered by four men involved in Victoria's County Court last week.
On Tuesday, Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell condemned "vile and racist attacks", warning "attacks like this do not happen in a vacuum" and calling for the public to come together.
Following last year's incident BLC said "these actions caused harm, fear, and deep hurt to community".
With Dechlan Brennan
