Barber who rushed to help Helen Haines praised by PM: ‘I don’t want to be known as a hero’

A crash brings Jefferies outside

Jefferies said he had just finished cutting a young family’s hair when he heard a loud crash at about 4pm on Monday. He ran from his shop to help Haines, who was allegedly hit by a car on Murphy Street in Wangaratta.

He said he removed the driver from the vehicle and kept him there while others assisted Haines. Jefferies explained that intervening felt like the right and safest option available to him.

Driver allegedly had a knife

Jefferies alleged the driver had a knife, but did not take it out. He said the man removed it from his pocket and threw it away. While holding the driver down, Jefferies told him he could not leave and tried to calm him. He also said he thought of his family, adding that his wife would be disappointed if he were hurt.

Praise from Albanese and Grant

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Jefferies during an appearance on the Today Show, calling him a hero for going to Haines’s aid. The prime minister said the incident was an attack, not an accident.

Wangaratta mayor Irene Grant also commended Jefferies and said she had spoken with him on Tuesday morning. She said he was taking the praise in his stride.

Jefferies rejects the hero label

Jefferies repeatedly said he did not want to be known as a hero. He described himself as someone who had the chance to intervene in what he considered a reasonably safe way.

Haines remained in a critical but stable condition on Tuesday morning. Jefferies said he and the community were hoping she would recover quickly.