Wangaratta barber Ricky Jefferies, described as “the Good Samaritan” by the Prime Minister for running to the aid of Indi MP Helen Haines told the ABC: “I just did what I could and what others were already trying to do. I am religious, so I thank God that the shop was empty. A young family had just left, and so they got the joy of leaving here happy after a haircut and not having to witness it. And so I do thank God for that. And yeah, I don’t think I’m a hero. I think that I just was a person who had an opportunity to intervene in a safe-ish sort of way…”
Jeffries dragged the assailant from his truck that was used to attack Haines and removed a knife.
“My family is praying [for Helen Haines] Jefferies told 7.30. “I pray that everyone you love will be around you.”
In another ABC Report Jefferies said “She’s a mother, she’s a member of the community and no-one’s job should put them at risk, but I can tell you from my own personal dealings that she is a genuine, kind person,” Mr Jefferies said.
“Her and her family, I’ve prayed for them and I hope that her recovery begins immediately, spiritually and physically.
“I pray that she’s in good hands and that she recovers.”
PM Albanese said “So I think that even in dark times, we see light, and what Ricky represents is light, and light will win over darkness each and every time.”
Image: Ricky Jefferies outside his shop. Image credit: ABC Screenshot
We hear a lot of reference to “Australian Values”. The most valuable is Ricky’s example, putting someone else first.
How beautiful. Just a genuinely great male role model.