A candlelight vigil will be held at Johnston Park in Geelong at 8pm on Friday 23 October in support of independent MP Helen Haines. The event follows an alleged attack outside her electoral office in Wangaratta on Monday. City Hall will be lit up in solidarity. Her husband, Phil, said both of her legs were amputated but that she is in stable condition. City of Greater Geelong councillor Emma Sinclair said the vigil aims to highlight violence against women in public roles.
Hundreds of people gathered in Wodonga on Wednesday night to support independent MP Helen Haines after an alleged attack on Monday. Attendees praised her compassion, her support for young people and her ability to bring people together across political divides. Former independent MP Cathy McGowan called for greater safety in politics, particularly for women in rural communities, saying the violence must not be allowed to win.
Federal member for Indi Helen Haines has lost both her legs after an alleged attack outside her ministerial office in Wangaratta, her husband Phil has said. He said she is alive and stable. Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and a commonwealth offence, and remains on remand. A local barber, Ricky Jefferies, helped restrain him until police arrived. A virtual vigil will be held on Friday at 8pm AEDT.
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Phil Haines thanked surgeons, nurses and bystanders at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Wednesday. His wife, Helen Haines, lost both legs after an alleged attack on Monday afternoon. Governor-General Sam Mostyn urged Australians to practise decency. Bystander Ricky Jefferies secured the alleged attacker. At a vigil in Wodonga, Cathy McGowan called on the community not to let violence win and said the attack was an attack on democracy.
Australian Red Cross volunteers are offering face-to-face psychological support in Wangaratta today, after an alleged attack on local MP Helen Haines. Ms Haines was pinned between two vehicles after an event in Mansfield and her leg was amputated. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is due to face court today, charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury. Several hundred people attended a vigil in Wangaratta on Tuesday, and virtual vigils are planned nationwide.
Independent MP Helen Haines has lost one leg and remains in critical condition at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital after being rammed twice by a vehicle. The attack happened in a carpark near her Wangaratta electorate office on Monday. Police have named a 43-year-old man, Brendan Nugent, as the alleged attacker. Local barber Rick Jefferies restrained the alleged attacker and made a citizen's arrest. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Angus Taylor condemned the violence, and political leaders from across parties offered support.
Residents of Wangaratta in regional Victoria have been left shaken after an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines, who remains in critical but stable condition. A four-wheel drive reportedly struck her outside her office on Monday afternoon, then reversed and hit her again. About 200 people gathered at a vigil on Tuesday, lighting candles and praying for the 65-year-old's recovery. Reverend Clarence Bester praised her as a caring former nurse and midwife who treats everyone with dignity. Barber Ricky Jeffries, who says a driver carried a knife, stepped in to remove it and has been called a hero.
Hundreds of people gathered in Melbourne to honour Jayda Allen Bonner, 21, who was killed at an inner-suburban apartment complex last weekend. A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder and appeared briefly in the Melbourne Magistrates Court. Police say he was known to Ms Allen Bonner. Her family and supporters marched to Victoria's Parliament, calling for changes to domestic violence procedures. Djirra's chief executive said police should have acted after Ms Allen Bonner made and later withdrew a complaint about her safety.
Sydney's Jewish community held commemorations for the victims of the 2023 Hamas attack in Israel, marking the first such events since the Bondi Beach terror attack. The service at a venue in Sydney's east featured high-profile attendees, candle lighting, and prayers. Participants also honoured the 15 people killed in the Bondi shooting during a Hanukkah celebration. The event included musical performances and speeches addressing antisemitism and its impact on Jewish communities worldwide.
