Special Council Meeting to Support Dr Helen Haines

Published on 20 October 2026

The Rural City of Wangaratta will hold a Special Council Meeting tomorrow to formally support Dr Helen Haines and reaffirm the values that define Wangaratta as a respectful, welcoming, and compassionate community.

The meeting, to be held at midday on Wednesday 21 October, will consider a formal statement of support for the Federal Member for Indi, her family and staff following the incident in Wangaratta on Monday. Council will also consider a resolution condemning violence, threats and intimidation and reaffirming the importance of respect, compassion, and democracy.

Mayor Irene Grant said the incident has deeply affected people across Wangaratta and the broader region.

"Our thoughts remain with Helen, her family, staff and all those affected by this distressing incident."

"This meeting provides an opportunity for Council, on behalf of our community, to formally express its support and to send a clear message that violence, threats and intimidation have no place in our community or our democracy."

The proposed resolution before Council acknowledges the courage and actions of local community members and emergency services personnel who assisted during and after the incident, including Wangaratta resident and business owner Ricky Jefferies.

Mayor Grant said the response from across Wangaratta had demonstrated the community's strength and character.

"The overwhelming response from our community has been one of compassion, care and support. Those messages remind us of who we are as a community."

"Wangaratta is a community where people should feel safe to participate in public life, where differences can be discussed respectfully, and where violence and intimidation are never acceptable. These are values worth protecting and reaffirming."

The Unscheduled Council Meeting will be held at 12 pm on Wednesday 21 October 2026 in the Council Chamber and will be livestreamed on YouTube.