MP struck by car in Mansfield

Helen Haines was unloading her car boot after an event in Mansfield when she was struck by a car and pinned between two vehicles on Monday afternoon.

Haines loses leg, remains critical

Her leg was amputated on Tuesday. She remains in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital in critical condition as surgeons work to save her other leg.

Driver charged with multiple offences

Brendan Nugent, forty-three, of Tarrawingee faced Wangaratta Magistrates' Court today charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, which carries…

Red Cross arrives with counselling

Trained Australian Red Cross volunteers arrived in Wangaratta today to provide psychological first aid to residents reeling from the attack on their local MP.

Support at Ovens Riverside Square

Australian Red Cross volunteers offered support at Ovens Riverside Square between nine am and twelve noon. Victorian manager Fyowna Norton said unimaginable acts of violence could have a profound impact on a tight-knit community.

“Australian Red Cross volunteers are trained in psychological first aid, so we'll be in Wangaratta providing face-to-face support to community members and where floral tributes are being laid outside [Ms Haines's] offices.”

National vigil planned for Friday

Tracey Asquith created a virtual vigil calling for people across Australia to pause on Friday, October twenty-third at eight pm AEDT to reflect on Helen Haines.

“What I hope is at 8pm Victorian time for 15 minutes, you light a candle, or turn on a battery-operated one, shine a torch or turn on your phone [torch] in your home, driveway, at a park or wherever you gather with friends and family, and reflect on Helen and what she is going through.”

Governor-General expresses shock

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said she was deeply shocked by the attack and contacted Haines's office on Tuesday.She described Haines as a highly respected member of parliament who proudly represented her electorate with dignity and respect.

“They were able to reflect that while the actions of one person can cause immense harm, it is the rallying of the thousands they have experienced that tells us what is good and decent about the essential character of Australians, whether that is in Wangaratta or across the country.”