An Anglican leader in the small regional Victorian city of Wangaratta says love will lead the community out of its dark days, as more than 250 people gathered in prayer for MP Helen Haines on Oct. 20.
A day earlier, Haines was the victim of a deliberate attack by man driving a Toyota LandCruiser pinned her against her vehicle, before reportedly reversing and then hitting her a second time.
Brendan Nugent, 43, is in police custody following the incident.
After hearing the news, the Right Reverend Clarence E Bester, the 11th Bishop of Wangaratta, started planning a liturgy at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral.
Candles are lit during a prayer vigil for Australian politician Helen Haines at the Holy Trinity Cathedral by Right Reverend Clarence Bester in the northern regional city of Wangaratta, some 250 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, Australia on Oct. 20, 2026. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)
“We will not let fear divide us.
“We believe our love will be the loudest voice in this.”
When Bishop Bester first planned the gathering, he had no idea so many people would turn up.
“We prepared originally for 50 candles to be lit, then we had to prepare another 200 candles,” he said.
“I was unsure we’d be able to gather so many people at such short notice.”
Australian independent Member of Parliament Helen Haines speaks to journalists in the Press Gallery at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Sept. 8, 2026. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)
“The cathedral is not just a place to worship for Anglicans,” he said.
“This was politicians and people coming together to pray for Helen. She’s not just the member for Indi, but someone … very much connected to the electorate.”
Four main candles were lit at the church—one for compassion and peace, one for physical healing, one for comfort and peace and another for the community.
The Bishop of Wangaratta, Reverend Clarence E Bester. (Courtesy of the Holy Trinity Anglican Parish)
“The amount of candles, it was unbelievable!”
Haines, 65, has represented the federal electorate of Indi since 2019.
She has served as in independent candidate, associated with the Teal movement.
Haines remains in a critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where she has undergone surgery and lost one leg.
The investigation is currently being led by the Victoria Police Security Investigation Unit supported by the Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
