Over $730,000 Raised for Save the Children as MP Haines Stabilizes

More than $730,000 has been raised for Save the Children in the days since Independent MP Helen Haines lost both legs in a crash in Wangaratta. Her husband, Phil Haines, encouraged supporters to direct donations to the charity’s special appeal while she recovers from the injuries sustained on Monday afternoon.

The Alfred hospital in Melbourne issued an update on Saturday morning, stating that Haines is now in a serious but stable condition. Her status had previously been described as critical but stable. Surgeons initially attempted to save her right leg, but the severity of the injuries required the amputation of both limbs.

Phil Haines spoke outside the hospital on Wednesday. He described his wife’s heart and mind as the two most important parts of her being for the family. He said both are in good shape, noting that Haines has a huge heart and the sharpest intellect.

Police charged Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, on Tuesday. He faces three primary charges: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Court documents reveal he has also been charged with cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail.

Haines’s staff said on Friday that they hope to reopen her electorate offices next Thursday. The team noted that many staff members witnessed the incident and were among the first to assist Haines. They asked for understanding as the group takes time to look after themselves and one another.

The incident has sparked debate across Australian politics regarding security risks for MPs and mental health services in regional Victoria. In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man with threatening staff and wielding nunchucks at the office of minister Hannah Beazley days after the Wangaratta crash. A community vigil for Haines was held in Wodonga on Wednesday evening, where Cathy McGowan, the former member for Indi, said the community was dealing with mixed emotions.