{
  "id": 16089353,
  "title": "A mother's heartfelt letter to Helen Haines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/a-mothers-heartfelt-letter-to-helen-haines",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T18:40:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-23/letter-to-helen-haines-wangaratta-mother-of-two/107296918"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lizz Gourley, a local educational support worker from Wangaratta, recently penned a heartfelt letter to Helen Haines, a prominent local MP who is currently hospitalized in a critical condition after being struck by a car. The incident occurred outside Haines' electorate office in Victoria's north-east. In her letter, Gourley expressed her deepest sympathies for Haines and her family, acknowledging the unfathomable and devastating nature of the tragedy.\n\nGourley described the few times she had met Haines, noting her genuine kindness, warmth, intelligence, and compassion. These interactions, though brief, left a lasting impression on Gourley. She attached a photo of Haines holding her four-week-old daughter, Minnie, to the letter, captured just a year prior. Gourley emphasized that Haines was much more than her political title or career, emphasizing her role as a mother, wife, friend, and colleague.\n\nGourley urged everyone to stand by Haines and her family, offering support during this difficult time. She highlighted Haines' commitment to advocating for her community and reminded everyone that everyone deserves safety and peace, regardless of their background, beliefs, gender, or religion. Gourley's letter concludes with a photo of Haines and Gourley's daughter, Minnie, reflecting on their innocent interaction years ago.",
  "summary": "Lizz Gourley says she has never been overly political but she knows a good person when she meets one and meeting Helen Haines a handful of times left a lasting impression.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian Australia",
        "title": "Helen Haines vigil sparks calls for greater safety for women in politics – video",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/helen-haines-vigil-sparks-calls-for-greater-safety-for-women-in",
        "published": "2026-10-22T05:18:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "Australia news LIVE: Save the Children fundraiser for Helen Haines surpasses $600,000 as the MP remains critical; Canavan set to announce move to lower house, reports say",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/australia-news-live-save-the-children-fundraiser-for-helen-haines",
        "published": "2026-10-22T20:05:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "Australia news LIVE: Save the Children fundraiser for Helen Haines surpasses $600,000 as the MP remains critical; Canavan set to announce move to lower house, reports say",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/australia-news-live-save-the-children-fundraiser-for-helen-haines-16101115",
        "published": "2026-10-22T20:05:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Crikey",
        "title": "Journalism Ltd wrote an op-ed about who’s to blame before Helen Haines was even attacked",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/journalism-ltd-wrote-an-op-ed-about-whos-to-blame-before-helen-haines",
        "published": "2026-10-22T23:09:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}