Counselling available for Wangaratta residents reeling from Haines attack

Trained Australian Red Cross volunteers will be in Wangaratta today to provide psychological first aid to residents still reeling from the attack on their local MP Helen Haines.

Ms Haines was unloading the boot of her car after attending an event in Mansfield when she was struck by a car and pinned between the two vehicles.

Her leg was amputated on Tuesday and she remains in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital in a critical condition as surgeons work to save her other leg.

The driver, Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, is due to face Wangaratta Magistrates' Court today charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury.

He was also charged with the federal offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.

As bunches of flowers and handwritten letters pile up on the doorstep of her electoral office, vigils are being organised across the country in an outpouring of support.

Several hundred community members gathered for a vigil at Wangaratta's Holy Trinity Anglican church on Tuesday afternoon.

People were seen hugging and crying on the church steps as they tried to process what had happened in their regional town.

Today, Australian Red Cross volunteers will be offering their support at the Ovens Riverside Square between 9am and 12 noon.

Victorian manger Fyowna Norton said unimaginable acts of violence could have a profound impact on a tight-knit community.

"Australian Red Cross volunteers are trained in psychological first aid, so we'll be in Wangaratta providing face-to-face support to community members and where floral tributes are being laid outside [Ms Haines's] offices. 

"It is really important that people don't bottle up what they're feeling and that they seek support where they need to."

A virtual vigil

When Tracey Asquith heard the news about Helen Haines, she wanted the focus to be on the injured woman, her husband, children, friends and the community.

"I know they'll be hurting and she is going to face the biggest challenge," she said.

Within hours, Ms Asquith created a virtual vigil calling for people across Australia to pause on Friday, October 23 at 8pm (AEDT) to reflect on Ms Haines.

"What I hope is at 8pm Victorian time for 15 minutes, you light a candle, or turn on a battery-operated one, shine a torch or turn on your phone [torch] in your home, driveway, at a park or wherever you gather with friends and family and reflect on Helen and what she is going through," she said.

"The overriding sentiment is Helen has done nothing to deserve this."

More than 10,000 people have engaged with the virtual vigil idea on social media.

Governor-general support

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said she was "deeply shocked" by the attack on Ms Haines and contacted her office to speak with staff on Tuesday.

"They were able to reflect that while the actions of one person can cause immense harm, it is the rallying of the thousands they have experienced that tells us what is good and decent about the essential character of Australians, whether that is in Wangaratta or across the country," she said.

She said Ms Haines was a "highly respected" member of parliament who "proudly" represented the people of her electorate, always with dignity and respect.

"Helen and I were together recently in Euroa thanking first responders in her community for their selfless work," Ms Mostyn said.

"I want to extend my thanks to all those who responded so quickly to assist Helen and her team.

"I am sure all Australians would join me in sending her best wishes for a full recovery."