Helen Haines Stable After $730,000 Raised in Her Name

Independent Member for Indi Helen Haines is listed in serious but stable condition following a car strike that resulted in the amputation of both legs. The Alfred hospital in Melbourne provided the status update on Saturday morning. Previously, medical staff had classified her condition as critical but stable.

Haines was hit by a vehicle in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Surgeons attempted to preserve her right leg initially, but the extent of the trauma required the removal of both lower limbs. Her husband, Phil Haines, visited the hospital on Wednesday to address the media. He stated that her heart and mind are in good shape. He described her intellect as sharp and noted her compassionate nature.

Police charged Brendan Nugent, 43, from Tarrawingee, on Tuesday. The charges include dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Court records indicate two additional charges for cultivating and possessing cannabis were added later. Nugent appeared before a magistrate in Wangaratta on Wednesday and did not seek bail.

A special appeal for Save the Children has raised more than $730,000 since the incident. Haines’s husband encouraged donors to contribute to the charity while his wife recovers. Haines’s staff posted an update on Friday regarding the recovery of the team. Many staff members witnessed the crash and provided immediate assistance. The office plans to reopen next Thursday.

A community vigil took place in Wodonga on Wednesday evening. Cathy McGowan, Haines’s predecessor in the seat of Indi, spoke at the event. She described the community’s reaction as a mix of emotions. The incident has drawn attention to security protocols for members of parliament and mental health resources in regional Victoria.

In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man following a separate incident at the office of Hannah Beazley. Beazley is the state local government minister. The alleged threat involved nunchucks and occurred days after the collision in Wangaratta.