Beloved activist Danny Lim attacked while campaigning for Indigenous Voice Referendum

By JUSTIN COOPER.

Sydney activist and community figure Danny Lim has been hospitalised following an alleged assault, whilst he was campaigning for the Yes vote in Strathfield.

On Friday afternoon, September 22, Police responded to an alleged assault involving Lim, 79, and a 66-year-old man at Strathfield station. Lim received medical attention at the scene before being transported to hospital by paramedics.

Whilst police have not confirmed the motive for the alleged assault, Lim has recently been seen advocating for the Yes vote leading up to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum in October.

“Suffered a hostile attack”

At Concord Hospital, Lim was treated for facial injuries.

Lim’s lawyer, Chris Murphy, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he received a CAT scan for his head injuries, which included an eye bleed.

“Beautiful kindly Danny Lim has today suffered a hostile attack while peacefully supporting the Yes vote,” Murphy tweeted.

“Auburn Police [are] investigating the criminal assault,” Murphy continued.

Under the post, many voiced their disappointment surrounding the incident – expressing concern for the activist and hoping for a speedy recovery.

One X user tweeted, “Danny is such a kind soul. Hope those responsible get due punishment.”

Another user labelled the incident “disgraceful,” tweeting “What a sad indictment of this time in our history – I hope Danny Lim is going to be OK.”

On Sunday, Murphy confirmed Lim was out of hospital and continuing to campaign for the Yes vote.

Friend Paul,lawyer ex-cop, pic 79yo icon Danny Lim out of hospital “he’s a beautiful guy”near Edgecliff station his Yes23 sign. Shook hands hugged him. Cars honked friendly ppl waved. Paul Intervened when No vote woman abused him. Danny ignored and smiled. pic.twitter.com/lyqkFu0SPA

— chris murphy (@chrismurphys) September 24, 2023

Previously hospitalised following attempted arrest

Lim had recently been treated for head injuries, following an attempted arrest by NSW Police in November last year.

Footage from the incident depicted police attempting to detain Lim, forcing him to the ground, with Lim falling head first.

Lim required serious medical attention following the incident, causing multiple injuries including bleeding on the brain.

He had to use “two walking sticks to get around” and continued to receive medical attention to “two areas of damaged health,” said Murphy, at the time.

Lim has been a prominent Sydney figure for the past 2 decades, widely-known for his cheery demeanour and activism across the city.

From 2008 to 2012, Lim was a councillor with Strathfield Council. Campaigning on “openness, transparency, accountability and morality,” he refused payment during his time in office.