Rural City of Wangaratta Council met yesterday to pass a motion condemning violence and intimidation and reaffirming the importance of respect, compassion, and community in the wake of the horrific alleged attack on local Federal MP, Helen Haines.
Ms Haines was struck twice by a four-wheel drive in what appeared to be a deliberate vehicle attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday.
Her husband confirmed to media yesterday that his 65-year-old wife had lost both her legs due to the injuries suffered in the attack.
Mayor, Irene Grant said the incident had deeply affected people across Wangaratta and the broader region.
“Our thoughts remain with Helen, her family, staff and all those affected by this distressing incident,” she said.
The Mayor said yesterday’s meeting provided an opportunity for Council, on behalf of the community, to formally express its support and to send a clear message that violence, threats and intimidation have no place in the Wangaratta community or democracy.
“The proposed resolution before Council acknowledges the courage and actions of local community members and emergency services personnel who assisted during and after the incident, including Wangaratta resident and business owner Ricky Jefferies,” she said.
Mayor Grant said the response from across Wangaratta had demonstrated the community’s strength and character.
“The overwhelming response from our community has been one of compassion, care and support. Those messages remind us of who we are as a community.”
“Wangaratta is a community where people should feel safe to participate in public life, where differences can be discussed respectfully, and where violence and intimidation are never acceptable. These are values worth protecting and reaffirming.”
At the meeting, Mayor Grant also spoke about her conversation with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who shared her support for the community and “encouraged people to be their best selves, support one another, show kindness and care, and remain confident in the strength of our community”.
“We were honoured to be joined by Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, and councillors and representatives from across Indi: Claire Ewart-Kennedy, Jane Dowsley, Juliana Phelps, Laura Binks, Matt Hyde, Michael Gobel, Michelle Cowan, Noah Tanzen, Peter Tolsher, Roberta Horne, Sarah Nicholas, Sophie Price, Trevor Ireno.”
Victoria Police have charged 43-year-old Tarrawingee man, Brendan Nugent, with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, causing harm to a Commonwealth public official and two cannabis-related drug offences. He did not apply for bail and will next appear in court on 4 February 2027.
You can watch the council meeting here: https://buff.ly/1oqeJSw.
