Floral tributes have started to be laid outside Federal Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, office. Dr Haines is in a critical condition after being deliberately hit by a vehicle on Monday, October 19.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Federal Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines was hit by a four-wheel drive outside her electoral office on Monday afternoon, October 19.
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43-year-old Tarrawingee man, Brendan Nugent, was arrested following the incident in Wangaratta.
It is understood a white Toyota Landcruiser struck Dr Haines, 65, outside the office on Murphy St about 3.35pm.
When Mr Nugent exited the Toyota he was arrested at the scene by a passerby.
Federal Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines talks to students at St Joseph's Primary School, Benalla on Friday, October 16.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Dr Haines was initially taken to Wangaratta hospital with critical injuries.
A knife was located by police and seized from inside the Toyota.
A witness to the incident told the ABC that a number of locals stepped in to help.
"They were all heroes," the witness said.
In a statement, her family said she was receiving medical treatment.
"This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care," the statement said.
"We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response.
"Our family, and Helen’s staff, will be making no further comment at this time, and ask that their privacy be respected by the public and media.
"Please keep Helen in your thoughts."
Wangaratta resident Chris Wernert outside Helen Haines' office in Wangaratta on Tuesday, October 20.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Wangaratta resident Chris Wernert was outside of Dr Haines’ electorate office on Tuesday morning wearing an orange shirt with the words ‘Wangaratta, this is not us’ written across it.
“What happened to Helen Haines should never have happened,” Mr Wernert said.
Despite being a One Nation supporter, he thought it important to protest the incident.
“I’m a human too. It doesn’t matter if I’m a One Nation supporter, or a Greens supporter, it doesn’t matter – we’re human beings and this should not happen,” he said.
“This is Australia, people have got the right to express their own point of views.”
Benalla’s Suzie Pearce is a big Helen Haines supporter who has volunteered during her election and re-election campaigns.
“I’m feeling so helpless,” she said.
“I have hung my orange cockatoo as a public sign of my love, support and concern for Helen.
Benalla's Suzie Pearce has hung her orange cockatoo, a symbol used during Dr Haines' election and re-election campaigns, outside her home as a show of support.
“I hope others will too.”
Her condition is still listed as critical. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll released the following statement
I am deeply appalled by this violent attack on Helen Haines
My thoughts - and the thoughts of all Victorians - are with Helen, her family, her friends, her colleagues and her community.
I know how devastating this will be for the Wangaratta community and all those who Helen represents.
Thank you to police, paramedics, firefighters and witnesses for their immediate response.
An individual has been apprehended, and I thank Police for their swift action.
State Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, released this statement
I am deeply saddened and horrified, by the distressing incident involving Helen Haines in Wangaratta this afternoon, a community where I also have an office and know many people who will be feeling the impact of what has occurred.
At a time like this, my thoughts are first and foremost with Helen herself and her loved ones. She is a proud representative of our community and above all, a decent human being who does not deserve this.
I sincerely hope she is receiving the very best care and support possible as she faces what is an incredibly serious and uncertain situation.
Federal Member for Farrer, David Farley, released this statement
My thoughts are tonight with Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines and her family, following reports she has been seriously injured in a car collision near her office in Wangaratta.
I am wishing her both tenacity and strength at this difficult time.
Helen represents the best of all of us.
She is an important representative for her electorate, and an overall genuine and authentic Australian.
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