Indi's Young Voters Inspired by Helen Haines' Community Spirit

For young voters in Indi, Helen Haines has been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her dedication to the community and commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space have resonated with many, including Frankie Carroll and Connor McFadden.

A Lifelong Connection

The electorate of Indi has had an independent representative for much of Carroll's life. Cathy McGowan won the safe Liberal seat while they were still in primary school. When Carroll was 13, Ms Haines made history as the first independent to succeed another independent MP in federal parliament.

At 16, Carroll joined Ms Haines' youth advisory group and helped shape a speech about climate change that was delivered in parliament. At 17, they and their friends felt the threat of homophobia in their backyard, when the Wangaratta Rainbow Ball was cancelled due to security concerns.

It was Ms Haines' response that helped ease some of that fear.

"She posted on her Facebook, saying to all the queer people in Indi… you're welcome, you're safe and you're loved here," Carroll wrote.

Carroll, a north-east Victorian artist currently studying in the UK, has created a series of comics that share a powerful, personal account of their experience with Ms Haines.

"Helen Haines has not only made me feel heard, valued and safe, but hopeful in a political climate of fearmongering and useless culture wars," they write.

'She Genuinely Cares'

Mansfield's Connor McFadden has described Ms Haines as "a mum to the community". Ms Haines was elected to the seat of Indi when he was in high school and she visited several times while he was there.

He said Ms Haines made a difference: setting up a leadership program for Mansfield Secondary School's leadership team, securing funding for the local historical society and attending the naming of the Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin stadium.

"It's never like she's trying to get your vote, she genuinely cares about things within your life, in your community, in your family," Mr McFadden said.

When Mr McFadden moved to Canberra to study, it wasn't long before he saw a familiar face. Ms Haines was part of a 'Pollies in the Pub' event, run by the Australian National University's Regional, Rural and Remote Society.

Mr McFadden was attending, and went to introduce himself as a former constituent. He didn't get very far before Ms Haines' face 'lit up' with recognition.

"She remembered my name, she remembered the Mansfield connection … even though I'd only met her once, and it was two years ago," he said.

Half a World Away

Now 21, Carroll is studying over in the UK for a semester. They said Monday's alleged attack left them shocked, and feeling hopeless.

"I was definitely feeling homesick before all this unfolded, now the ache to be home is a lot stronger," they said.

Carroll said they would like to see more empathy in politics, and in general.

"As a country, we all have a responsibility, whether you lean left or right, to practise tolerance," they said.

The series ends with a Dr Haines' campaign icon, the orange cockatoo, with its wings outspread.

"Thank you, Helen Haines," it reads. "I'm rooting for you."