Police probe alleged assault on Indigenous activist at Melbourne's Camp Sovereignty

On Sunday night at Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne’s Kings Domain, Ash Ni Mara, a 37-year-old volunteer who tends the sacred fire, was allegedly assaulted by two strangers attempting to put out the campfire. The female assailant filmed the scene while the male pulled wood from the fire, leading to a physical confrontation in which Ash was dragged, head-locked and struck, resulting in minor facial injuries treated by paramedics.

The attackers fled before police arrived; investigators are reviewing CCTV and seeking witnesses, with Superintendent Zorka Dunstan indicating a possible racial motive. Camp Sovereignty elder Robbie Thorpe described the assault as “very disturbing” and warned of ongoing security concerns. The police anticipate laying assault charges once the appropriate offence is identified. This follows a previous violent incident at the site last year involving men linked to the disbanded National Socialist Network.