‘Don’t let violence win’: McGowan’s plea as Haines fights for life

Former independent member for Indi Cathy McGowan addressed hundreds of residents at a community vigil in Wodonga on Wednesday night, warning that the recent attack on her successor, Helen Haines, has struck at the core of Australian democracy. McGowan stated that women across the electorate now fear for their personal safety and question whether entering public life exposes them to physical harm. The former MP described the atmosphere in north-east Victoria as one of grief, shame, and confrontation with the reality that a local representative was assaulted within her own community. Haines, 65, remains in critical but stable condition in hospital following the incident on Monday afternoon. A vehicle drove into her outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, pinning her between cars. Both of her legs have been amputated. Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee near Wangaratta, appeared before Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning regarding the incident. He did not apply for bail. At the vigil, McGowan noted that the attack felt like a blow to the entire community because it was allegedly carried out by a member of that same community. She remarked that it is difficult to comprehend how a democratic process strengthened over more than a decade could become a target for such violence. Many locals who helped elect Haines struggle to understand the shift from robust political engagement to physical threat. McGowan, whose 2013 election victory helped establish the modern community independents movement, said the incident has shaken the grassroots political culture that defined the Indi seat. Governor-General Sam Mostyn visited Haines at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital late on Wednesday, accompanied by Haines’ husband, Phil. Mostyn disclosed that Haines’ second leg had been amputated earlier that day. She stated that King Charles is being regularly updated on the situation. Mostyn recalled discussing civility with Haines at a function in Euroa two weeks prior, noting that Haines was actively seeking ways for the community to engage with kindness and respect. Mostyn appealed to Australians to learn or relearn to exercise their "muscle of decency." She emphasized that while robust debate is vital to a healthy democracy, citizens must disagree well without descending into violence or division. She urged the public to reflect on the importance of words, whether spoken, written, or shared virtually, and to reaffirm the care and respect embedded in the national character. Phil Haines spoke to reporters regarding his wife’s condition. He confirmed that while doctors initially hoped to save her right leg, it could not be preserved. However, he highlighted that Haines is alive and stable. He identified her heart and mind as the most important aspects of her wellbeing for the family. Describing her as compassionate, caring, and possessing a sharp intellect with an intense desire to learn, he expressed gratitude that these faculties remain intact. He acknowledged that her road to recovery will be long and difficult but affirmed that she is a fighter. He asked supporters to direct donations to Save The Children, a charity associated with Haines. Community tributes marked the days following the attack. Flowers and handwritten notes lined the entrance to Haines’ second electoral office on High Street in Wodonga. The city’s water tower was illuminated in her honor. At the vigil, volunteers distributed orange cockatoos, symbols originally used in McGowan’s campaigns that have since come to represent Haines. These items were designed by a local artist and constructed from recycled corflute. Locals held up cardboard versions of the birds during the gathering. Cross-party solidarity emerged among regional leaders. State MPs Tim McCurdy, Bill Tilley, Cindy McLeish, and Annabelle Cleeland joined nine local mayors from north-east Victoria to condemn the intimidation of public officials. The mayors represented the regions of Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Mansfield, Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Towong, Wangaratta, and Wodonga. In a joint statement, the group declared that threats and violence have no place in democracy or communities. They asserted that while robust disagreement is essential, targeted harassment abandons basic humanity. The leaders pledged that decency outweighs division and urged the public to reject political hatred to safeguard public service standards. Wodonga Mayor Michael Gobel addressed the crowd, stating that the nation, region, and community were united in shock. He emphasized shared connections among neighbors, friends, and colleagues despite political differences. McGowan concluded her address by noting that conversations across the Indi electorate since Monday have revealed deeper scars related to the erosion of trust in civic institutions. The focus remains on Haines’ medical stability and the legal proceedings against Nugent.