In brief
On a spring afternoon in Wangaratta, Victorian MP Helen Haines was hit by a vehicle outside her office in a deliberate assault that left her with both legs amputated. Police described the incident as a targeted attack and charged a local suspect with assault and causing serious harm. The MP, known for her anti‑corruption drive and regional advocacy, has drawn wide support from residents, many of whom have gathered flowers, held vigils, and visited her in hospital. Mayor Irene Grant praised Haines as a warm, committed representative while community members staged rallies and displayed supportive banners. The town now stands united in support of the MP’s recovery and as a testament to local cohesion amid tragedy.
On a spring afternoon in Wangaratta, Victorian MP Helen Haines was violently struck by a car just outside her office, a deliberate assault that left her with both legs amputated and her left arm severely injured.
Victoria Police announced that the incident was a "targeted and deliberate" attack. The suspect, a local resident named Brendan Nugent, has faced charges of causing serious harm and will likely face further charges of attempted murder.
Haines, first elected in 2019, has long championed the establishment of a national anti‑corruption commission and secured funding for rural infrastructure. The attack comes after a decade of her service to the region, during which she has been described by mayor Irene Grant as a "warm, cheerful, committed" representative.
In the weeks since the incident, Wangaratta’s community has shown remarkable solidarity. Flowers and bouquets have been placed outside Haines’ office, a vigil held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral drew hundreds, and supporters wore campaign t‑shirts emblazoned with "Team Helen Haines". Some residents gathered to light candles and offer prayers, while bystanders who rushed to Haines’ aide were later thanked by the MP herself for their calm assistance.
Haines’s husband, Phil, shared that she has received "thousands upon thousands" of messages of love, and emphasised that her road to recovery will be long but she remains a fighter.
The case has drawn national attention. A video of the suspect’s court appearance has circulated online, and the Police Commissioner has highlighted Haines’ support during last year’s shooting of two police officers in nearby Porepunkah. The townspeople’s response illustrates the strong sense of community that characterises Wangaratta, even in the face of tragic events.
Photograph by Getty Images.
