Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
In a statement, Nugent’s father, Rod Nugent, and his partner Christine Cunningham said Mrs Haines had been their friend for “more than 20 years”.
The statement said: “What happened to her [Helen Haines] yesterday is devastating and unfathomable. We would like to sincerely thank members of the local community and police who came to Helen’s aid yesterday.
“We will be assisting Victoria Police in any way we can. Helen Haines is a deeply respected, valued and much loved member of our local community.”
