Uncle Robbie Thorpe says an assault at Camp Sovereignty in Naarm/Melbourne has left community members shaken and renewed concerns about the safety of those staying overnight at the long-running Aboriginal protest site.
The Krauatungalung and Djapwurrung Elder said people present at the camp told him two people entered the site on Sunday evening before attacking one of the camp's fire keepers.
"A couple, a man and a woman, came up to the camp ... and started kicking the fire around," he told NITV.
"One of the fire keepers went over there and approached them. They bashed [them] while they were filming, laughing."
Uncle Robbie said the camp is particularly vulnerable during the night, when only a handful of people remain on site.
"I'm sort of always expecting things like this to happen," he said.
"It's a worry and just shows you there's people keen to attack us there."
He said the Camp member who was assaulted had been left traumatised by the incident.
"I'm telling [them] to go to the doctors ... [they're] a very peaceful person."
The Elder said the incident had prompted discussions about how to better protect people staying at the camp overnight.
"We're talking to the police about improving their security for the place," he said.
Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault at Kings Domain on Sunday, 2 August.
Police said a man and woman allegedly assaulted a 37-year-old Reservoir resident about 9.20pm before fleeing on foot.
"The victim, from Reservoir, was treated at the scene for minor facial injuries," a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Police said patrols of the area failed to locate the alleged offenders and investigations remain ongoing.
Victoria Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Four men plead guilty to last year's incident, concert planned for anniversary
The incident comes almost a year after a group of men, including self-identified neo-Nazis, stormed Camp Sovereignty, which left some Camp members with significant injuries.
On Wednesday, four men - Jaeden Johnson, Zack Dewaard, Blake Cathcart and Timothy Lutze - entered guilty pleas over the incident.
Johnson and Lutze have pleaded guilty to violent disorder and committing an indictable offence while on bail, while Cathcart and Dewaard have pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
The matter is due to return to court for a plea hearing on 14 August.
In March, notorious leader of the now-disbanded neo-Nazi National Socialist Network (NSN) Thomas Sewell pleaded not guilty to five charges relating to the incident.
He will stand trial later this month.
Asked about the guilty pleas entered by four men over the attack, Uncle Robbie said he welcomed the outcome, and is planning an event to mark the one year anniversary of the incident.
"I'm happy that's happened," he said.
"We're having ... a 'Rock Against Racism' to mark that day. We're planning it for the 30th, which is a Sunday."
In the immediate wake of last year's incident, the Camp held a 'Sovereign Day Out', featuring music from Miss Kanina, Leonie Whyman and others.
