A Krautungalung Elder, and leader of a sacred First Nations site that was attacked by neo-Nazis two weeks ago, says he has no fears of a reprised assault this weekend.
Camp Sovereignty, a burial site and gathering place situated in Naarm Melbourne's CBD, was stormed by far right sympathisers following the anti-immigration March for Australia protests on August 31.
The attack resulted in damage and serious injuries, and is now the subject of several court cases, most notably involving National Socialist Network leader Thomas Sewell.
Protests have been organised for Saturday in cities and towns around the country, partly in solidarity with Camp Sovereignty and also as a rejection of the ideology, adherents of which are also expected to turn out in counter-protests, that drove last month's marches and attack.
Despite Victoria Police saying they expect clashes between the various groups, Uncle Robbie Thorpe of Camp Sovereignty said he felt there is "no threat" to the site.
"That's not gonna happen," he told NITV.
"I think the whole thing's fallen over for them, and the rallies tomorrow will prove that they're divided and we're getting stronger.
"So I don't feel there's any threat on that front."
Uncle Robbie said he will appear as a speaker towards the beginning of the Sovereignty Never Ceded rally in Naarm Melbourne.
He also noted the solidarity that the Camp had received in the wake of the attack.
"They put us on the map. They gave us global and national recognition.
"We had an amazing event on Saturday ... 3500 people turned up. We organised a concert and raised a lot of resources."
Similar rallies have been coordinated with grassroots Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations around the country by Blak Caucus, a Sydney-based community and protest group.
Organisers says 15 communities will be involved in protests in every capital city.
Paul Silva, a Dunghutti man and member of the Blak Caucus, told NITV the rallies were a rejection of the anti-immigration and racist rhetoric of last month's marches.
"This is one of the biggest national days of action for Aboriginal communities and people," he said.
"Let it be clear, this action will not be hijacked. It's driven by Aboriginal voices, grounded in Aboriginal struggle and led be Aboriginal leadership."
He encouraged people from all parts of the community to join in the rallies.
"We're very loving and caring people," he said.
"As first people [we] have experienced racism, oppression, homelessness, systematic failures from the government system and the ongoing burden ... from this system.
"Now is the time to stand with First Nations people and Aboriginal people on the 13th of September."
Special powers for police ahead of expected rallies
Victoria Police haved declare the entirety of Melbourne's CBD a "designated area" ahead of planned protests on the weekend.
In response to the anti-immigration March for Australia protests last month, and a subsequent attack on a sacred First Nations site in Naarm Melbourne, demonstrations have been planned for Saturday 13 September in cities and towns around the country.
Victoria Police said their intelligence indicated the National Socialist Network would attend counter protests in Melbourne, and that clashes could occur.
Within the designated area, police will have special powers, allowing officers to search people for weapons, or to direct people to remove face coverings.
Superintendent Troy Papworth from North West Metro referred to last month's clashes in justifying the decision.
"Due to the violence that we saw on the streets of mlebourne two weeks ago, and our intelligence pointing towards these groups again intent on coming together and clashing, police have had no choice but to put together a significant police response … for community safety," he said on Wednesday.
Superintendent Papworth said Camp Sovereignty, the site that was attacked by far right figures and neo-Nazis last month, would be a "focus" for police, but did not provide details for operational reasons.
"Camp Sovereignty is absolutely front of mind for us in making sure that people are safe," he said.
