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On Monday 19 October 2026, our Federal Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, was attacked outside her Wangaratta office.
Our communities have been deeply shocked and saddened, and we know many people are holding Helen and her family in their thoughts.
Helen’s husband, Phil, has asked people to keep sending their messages of love, support and best wishes. This page provided a place for our community to do just that.
Community members were invited to share a kind word, a memory of Helen, a thank you for her work in our communities, or simply let her know she was in their thoughts. Every message received was a meaningful gesture of support and will now be collated and shared with Helen and her family through her office.
The Haines family has asked that, instead of sending flowers, people consider a donation to Save the Children.
If news of this event has been hard for you, please reach out to family, friends or a neighbour, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time.
On Monday 19 October 2026, our Federal Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, was attacked outside her Wangaratta office.
Our communities have been deeply shocked and saddened, and we know many people are holding Helen and her family in their thoughts.
Helen’s husband, Phil, has asked people to keep sending their messages of love, support and best wishes. This page provided a place for our community to do just that.
Community members were invited to share a kind word, a memory of Helen, a thank you for her work in our communities, or simply let her know she was in their thoughts. Every message received was a meaningful gesture of support and will now be collated and shared with Helen and her family through her office.
The Haines family has asked that, instead of sending flowers, people consider a donation to Save the Children.
If news of this event has been hard for you, please reach out to family, friends or a neighbour, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time.
CLOSED: Thank you for your messages of support for Helen. Every message received will now be thoughtfully collated and shared with Helen's family on behalf of the Indigo Shire community.
Dear Helen you have not ventured far from my thoughts. What occurred is heartbreaking and I want to wish you a speedy recovery and convey my heartfelt respect to you, your family and the team that supports you. You are a remarkable woman and the best representative any constituent could ask for. We all need to be Helen.
Daisy Searls
4 days ago
Helen, the Indigo community is thinking of you, your family, friends, loved ones and staff. We’re sending you our love and support, and look forward to seeing you home and back amongst the communities you know and represent so well.
Jane D
4 days ago
May your light continue to shine bright in the darkness Helen. Sending you love and strength.
F
5 days ago
Stay strong Helen. Your friends and community wish you determination for a steady recovery and peaceful future. Thanks for all your hard work throughout your career. Best wishes
Bev
5 days ago
Your cockatoo is waiting patiently in our front window for your return home. We love you dearly Helen Ian and Anne Threadgold
Anne Threadgold
5 days ago
Dear Helen,I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you.
Jo-ann
5 days ago
Hello Helen The Friends of Stanley Athenaeum have appreciated your visiting for the launch of the 'hearts of Gold Minds of mattle in 2018 and your genous support of our organisation. We send our best wishes to you, your family and your staff.
Stanley Athenaeum
5 days ago
Dear Helen, you are a true inspiration. You are a role model to all of us through your thoughtful, intelligent and compassionate approach to everything you do. What has happened to you is unfathomable. All the very best with your recovery. Sally & Andrew
Sally
6 days ago
Dearest Helen, Our love and prayers to you at this very difficult time. You have thousands not only in Australia but worldwide who are thinking and praying for you. We all know you have a very difficult time ahead with your recovery. . Much love to you from the Rutherglen RSL Women's Auxiliary 🧡🧡🧡
Robyn Sainter
6 days ago
Dear Helen,
I still remember how warm and encouraging you were when I first joined Council, and your genuine enthusiasm for local government.
I've always admired your energy, intelligence and dedication to our region.
I was deeply shocked by what happened in Wangaratta. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Warm regards, Greg Bourke
Councillor Greg Bourke
8 days ago
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Phil and your family. Deidre and Kevin Kelly
Deidre Kelly
8 days ago
Dear Helen, You are a beautiful and remarkable human. You are authentic, caring, intelligent, fair, brave, gutsy and articulate You inspire me to be a better version of myself. Know that you are a treasured and special soul in our community, and beyond the borders of Indi. It is now our time to show you love, kindness and grace. Sending light and support to you and your loves. Paige & family
Paige - Beechworth
8 days ago
Helen, I want to thank you for being a warm, dignified, and compassionate person whose intellect, authenticity, and love of community shine through in everything you do. Over the years we have known each other, you have been so generous with your time and encouragement. I am deeply grateful for that and look forward to many more catch-ups.
On behalf of my friends, family, colleagues, and local community groups, we send our collective love, care, and strength to you for your recovery, as well as to your family and team at your electorate office.
As the Federal Member for Indi, you are a highly respected leader and an exceptional advocate for the hundreds of communities across our electorate, including those here in Indigo Shire. Your infectious energy and deep love for our region are truly inspiring. Furthermore, your contribution to our Parliament in Canberra since first being elected in 2019 has been extraordinary. You have raised the bar for respectful debate, collaboration, and representation; our democratic system, and Australia as a nation, is enriched by your efforts.
Please take all the time you require during your recovery, and know that we are all here to support you every step of the way.
Scott4Indigo
8 days ago
Helen, you make me want to be a better and kinder person.
Berta
8 days ago
Dear Helen & Phil, my heart goes out to you and your beautiful family. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you all following this horrendous incident. Please know that the love and prayers of the Country are with you all
Alanna D
8 days ago
Hi Helen & Phil, Robyn & I were of course shocked and extremely upset at the events that have happened. We are what we consider "friends" and it has affected us in a way that only we understand. Get well soon and we look forward to your return so we can get some hugs - Neil & Robyn Funston.
Funmyster51
9 days ago
Dear Helen, my heart stopped when I heard the terrible news of your attack. I'm wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️🩹 and for you and your family to be home safe very soon. I watch the news everyday for any report on your health. You're a strong woman and I admire your strength. All the very best in your recovery Caroline Manns
Caroline Sunshine
9 days ago
How much better the world would be with many many more Helens in it, living lives full of integrity, kindness and compassion. Best wishes to the Haines family.
Cee
10 days ago
Helen, I have always admired your strength and courage in today's political climate and I have always been proud of the Indi community for supporting an Independent candidate. You have made a difference to your local community and our political landscape is all the better for your honest and grassroots leadership. You are definitely one of the good ones. I sincerely hope that you and your family can recover from this terrible tragedy and all of Australia is with you on your recovery journey.
Kathy from Queensland
10 days ago
Helen, sending love and prayers to you and your loved ones. You are such an incredibly beautiful soul. Zita❤️🌹
Dear Helen you have not ventured far from my thoughts. What occurred is heartbreaking and I want to wish you a speedy recovery and convey my heartfelt respect to you, your family and the team that supports you. You are a remarkable woman and the best representative any constituent could ask for. We all need to be Helen.
Helen, the Indigo community is thinking of you, your family, friends, loved ones and staff. We’re sending you our love and support, and look forward to seeing you home and back amongst the communities you know and represent so well.
May your light continue to shine bright in the darkness Helen. Sending you love and strength.
Stay strong Helen. Your friends and community wish you determination for a steady recovery and peaceful future. Thanks for all your hard work throughout your career. Best wishes
Your cockatoo is waiting patiently in our front window for your return home.
We love you dearly Helen
Ian and Anne Threadgold
Dear Helen,I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you.
Hello Helen
The Friends of Stanley Athenaeum have appreciated your visiting for the launch of the 'hearts of Gold Minds of mattle in 2018 and your genous support of our organisation. We send our best wishes to you, your family and your staff.
Dear Helen, you are a true inspiration. You are a role model to all of us through your thoughtful, intelligent and compassionate approach to everything you do. What has happened to you is unfathomable. All the very best with your recovery. Sally & Andrew
Dearest Helen, Our love and prayers to you at this very difficult time. You have thousands not only in Australia but worldwide who are thinking and praying for you. We all know you have a very difficult time ahead with your recovery. . Much love to you from the Rutherglen RSL Women's Auxiliary 🧡🧡🧡
Dear Helen,
I still remember how warm and encouraging you were when I first joined Council, and your genuine enthusiasm for local government.
I've always admired your energy, intelligence and dedication to our region.
I was deeply shocked by what happened in Wangaratta. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Warm regards,
Greg Bourke
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Phil and your family. Deidre and Kevin Kelly
Dear Helen,
You are a beautiful and remarkable human. You are authentic, caring, intelligent, fair, brave, gutsy and articulate You inspire me to be a better version of myself.
Know that you are a treasured and special soul in our community, and beyond the borders of Indi. It is now our time to show you love, kindness and grace. Sending light and support to you and your loves.
Paige & family
Helen, I want to thank you for being a warm, dignified, and compassionate person whose intellect, authenticity, and love of community shine through in everything you do. Over the years we have known each other, you have been so generous with your time and encouragement. I am deeply grateful for that and look forward to many more catch-ups.
On behalf of my friends, family, colleagues, and local community groups, we send our collective love, care, and strength to you for your recovery, as well as to your family and team at your electorate office.
As the Federal Member for Indi, you are a highly respected leader and an exceptional advocate for the hundreds of communities across our electorate, including those here in Indigo Shire. Your infectious energy and deep love for our region are truly inspiring. Furthermore, your contribution to our Parliament in Canberra since first being elected in 2019 has been extraordinary. You have raised the bar for respectful debate, collaboration, and representation; our democratic system, and Australia as a nation, is enriched by your efforts.
Please take all the time you require during your recovery, and know that we are all here to support you every step of the way.
Helen, you make me want to be a better and kinder person.
Dear Helen & Phil, my heart goes out to you and your beautiful family. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you all following this horrendous incident. Please know that the love and prayers of the Country are with you all
Hi Helen & Phil, Robyn & I were of course shocked and extremely upset at the events that have happened. We are what we consider "friends" and it has affected us in a way that only we understand. Get well soon and we look forward to your return so we can get some hugs - Neil & Robyn Funston.
Dear Helen, my heart stopped when I heard the terrible news of your attack.
I'm wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️🩹 and for you and your family to be home safe very soon.
I watch the news everyday for any report on your health.
You're a strong woman and I admire your strength.
All the very best in your recovery
Caroline Manns
How much better the world would be with many many more Helens in it, living lives full of integrity, kindness and compassion. Best wishes to the Haines family.
Helen, I have always admired your strength and courage in today's political climate and I have always been proud of the Indi community for supporting an Independent candidate. You have made a difference to your local community and our political landscape is all the better for your honest and grassroots leadership. You are definitely one of the good ones. I sincerely hope that you and your family can recover from this terrible tragedy and all of Australia is with you on your recovery journey.
Helen, sending love and prayers to you and your loved ones.
You are such an incredibly beautiful soul.
Zita❤️🌹