Co-Chair of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, has condemned the violent attack on Gunditjmara, Kirrae Whurrong and Djab Wurrung woman and former Assembly Member Sissy Austin.
Ms Austin told the ABC she was enjoying her regular run through the Lal Lal state forest, 20 minutes south-east of Ballarat about 4.30pm on Saturday when she was attacked.
"I run out there all the time. It's beautiful country, Wathaurong country," she said.
The 28-year-old said she had her headphones with music playing while running along a track when a man attacked her with a makeshift weapon.
"He had a rock tied to the end of the stick. I remember he had no shoes, jeans, a cap. He didn't have a top on," she said.
Ms Austin said the next thing she remembers is waking up bloodied and dizzy. She then had to battle her conditions and the terrain to run 4km back to her car and call emergency services, who took her to Ballarat Base Hospital for treatment and a CT scan.
Ms Atkinson said she shook with rage when she heard Ms Austin was subjected to the violent attack while running through Country.
"Sissy was just minding her own business, running through Country, only to be subjected to this cowardly, violent attack," Ms Atkinson said.
"Women, and particularly First Nations women, can often experience discrimination, abuse and violence as they simply try to live their lives."
Ms Atkinson said Aboriginal women and girls are far more likely to be victims of violence and crime, noting that between July 2017 and June 2019, First Nations women were 27 times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be hospitalised for assault.
"This is unacceptable. We cannot let violence against women and members of our Community go unchecked. This must stop for our women," she said.
Ms Austin suffered a bad concussion, facial swelling and bruising, and also felt grief over the loss of one of her favourite places.
"That place is my safe, go-to place. I feel like I'm [now] grieving that place now," she told the ABC.
She said it will take time before she was able to return to the forest, but that she was sure she would eventually.
"It would be deadly if the Traditional Owners could do a smoking ceremony out there eventually. That would make me feel comfortable to return."
She suggested that people should wait until police have conducted a full investigation before visiting the area again.
Victoria Police have received a report and are investigating.
Ms Atkinson said Ms Austin has been a powerful voice for her community, both during her time on the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and more broadly.
"Sissy has been a fearless activist for her people. I am in awe of Sissy's strength in getting herself back to her car and to care and safety.
"At our meeting today, Assembly Members and I are all thinking of Sissy and her family, friends and Community," Ms Atkinson said on Friday.
"We hope that she has a full and swift recovery, and that the person responsible is found and held accountable. I'm confident Sissy will continue to be a powerful voice for her community."
