There was a large turnout at the Wangaratta cathedral.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The day after Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, the wider Indi community came together to pray for her recovery.
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On Tuesday, October 20, residents gathered at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral in Wangaratta to offer their support for the local MP, her family and her team.
Bishop Clarence Bester said he was shocked by the large turnout.
Bishop Clarence Bester said Dr Haines represented the goodwill of people.
Photo by
Billie Davern
“When we set up this morning, we set up 50 candles,” Mr Bester said.
“When we were setting up, I thought that maybe we should add some extra ones just in case.
“I think we exhausted every small candle that we had.
“I’m not surprised, but I am shocked that so many people came to this.”
On Monday, Dr Haines, 65, was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser on Murphy St, Wangaratta at about 3.35pm.
Community members came together at Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral on Tuesday, October 20 to offer their prayers for Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The MP was initially taken to Wangaratta Hospital with critical injuries, and has since been airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where she underwent surgery.
It has been reported that Dr Haines has lost one of her legs as a result of the incident.
Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, 43, was arrested following the incident in Wangaratta, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Community members supported each other throughout the vigil.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Mr Bester said Dr Haines had been a wonderful representative for the community.
“I think (the large turnout) speaks to the connection to Helen, but also to the connection to the goodwill of people, like Helen, and what they stand for,” he said.
“I think Helen has been an outstanding Member for Indi.
“The way in which she speaks for, and on behalf of, the community, and just her presence, always everywhere, it doesn’t matter how small an occasion might be.”
He said he hoped the vigil on Tuesday would spread positivity throughout the community.
“All will be well, we trust in that and we believe in that,” Mr Bester said.
“That is why we wanted to gather people here today to offer these prayers for her and her family.”
