# Community gathers for Helen Haines after alleged attack

> Parishioners held a prayer vigil for the independent MP in Wodonga as her alleged attacker made his first court appearance.
- Title: Community gathers for Helen Haines after alleged attack
- Summary: Parishioners held a prayer vigil for the independent MP in Wodonga as her alleged attacker made his first court appearance. A prayer vigil was held for…
- Keywords: breaking, helen haines, independent mp, alleged attack, wangaratta, wodonga, prayer vigil, news, politics, Community, gathers, Helen
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/21/helen-haines-independent-mp-alleged-attack-wangaratta-vigils-court-ntwnfb
- Published: 2026-10-20T23:42:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, helen haines, independent mp, alleged attack, wangaratta, wodonga, prayer vigil, news, politics
## Prayer vigil held for Haines
Parishioners gathered at St John's Anglican Church in Wodonga on Tuesday evening to pray for independent MP Helen Haines's recovery, led by the Venerable Canon Scott Jessup, Archdeacon of the Hume.
## Haines's mentee and mayor attend vigil
Dr Lachlan McKeeman, who trained under Haines and was endorsed by her as an independent candidate in the upcoming Victorian state election, attended the vigil. Mayor of Wodonga Michael Gobel was also present.
## Supporters praise Haines's character
McKeeman described Haines as a much-loved friend and mentor who checked in on doctors after press conferences. Gobel said she was someone he admired deeply and called her a person of incredible integrity.

> she's a person of incredible integrity
## Key takeaway

A prayer vigil was held for independent MP Helen Haines in Wodonga after she was allegedly attacked, with supporters including a doctor she mentored and the local mayor expressing their admiration for her.