Nation unites to support critically injured MP Helen Haines
Australians have come together to show their support for independent MP Helen Haines, four days after she was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Victoria's north-east. The movement, which was shared widely on social media, invited people to light a candle at 8pm AEDT as a gesture of community peace and solidarity.
Australia has come together to show its support for independent MP Helen Haines, four days after she was struck by a car outside her electorate office in Victoria's north-east.
The movement, which was shared widely on social media, invited people to light a candle at 8pm AEDT as a gesture of community peace and solidarity.
"At times like these, what unites us matters far more than what divides us," the Rural City of Wangaratta said in a statement earlier today.
The Wangaratta Beacon, an old water tower which has been repurposed for art installations in recent years, has been lit up in amber as part of the vigil.
Community members flooded social media with a sea of candles and orange hearts.
Wangaratta resident Bek Nash-Webster said she was "just so terribly sad".
"We adore Helen and she is an amazing part of our community and we are all still in shock," she said.
On Facebook, Senator Fatima Payman posted a photo of a candle, writing that it had been a tough week.
"As a colleague and friend of Helen Haines, it's heartbreaking to see someone you care about go through something so frightening and deeply distressing."
She noted that "in the darkest moments, we've been reminded of the good in people", including the barber who rushed to Ms Haines's aid, and her husband's compassionate response.
"Tonight, I'm lighting a candle for Helen, her family and her staff. For their healing, their safety and their peace," Ms Payman said.
"And for a kinder politics, where we can disagree without hate, and where humanity always comes first."
While some chose to light candles at home or at aged care facilities, others attended community events in Victoria and around the country.
A candlelit vigil was held for Helen Haines in Lismore.
In Lismore, NSW, MP Janelle Saffin said dozens of people gathered "to send Helen Haines and her family all our loving thoughts".
"Helen is an amazing woman and this is the most devastating of events," Ms Saffin said.
Haines staff 'overwhelmed' by gestures of kindness
This afternoon The Alfred hospital confirmed Ms Haines, 65, remained in a critical condition.
Earlier this week the Indi MP's husband, Phil, revealed both of his wife's legs had been amputated due to her injuries.
Ms Haines has represented the regional electorate of Indi since 2019.
The attack on the MP has triggered an outpouring of grief and emotion in her rural community, with several constituents sharing stories of her providing support and inspiration.
Ms Haines's office said in a statement they hoped to reopen her Murphy Street office next Thursday.
"We want to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of love and support for Helen and her family," the statement said.
"Our team has been overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the Indi community and people right across Australia and internationally."
Ms Haines suffered critical injuries in Monday's crash, which police allege was a deliberate attack by 43-year-old Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent.