Tragic crash near Dubbo claims lives of respected Parkes couple Sue and Graham Tait

A husband and wife killed when a ute and van collided head-on near Dubbo have been identified as “well-respected” members of the Parkes community.

Four people died in the crash on the Newell Hwy at Tomingley on Friday evening.

Sue and Graham Tait were travelling in the van and died at the scene while two teenagers travelling in the ute, Lochie Jacobs, 18, and his best friend Joey Urban, 19, were also killed.

The ute driver - a 23-year-old man - was the only survivor and is stable in Dubbo Hospital.

Parkes Early Childhood Centre said Sue - who was 2IC - was “known for being a strong constant backbone” for the centre.

“Her husband, Graham, was a well-respected and experienced coach driver,” the post said.

The couple, both aged 57, leave behind five children aged between 16 and 26 years old, according to the centre.

Members of the Parkes community posted tributes for the couple, remembering Sue as an “empathetic” and “sensitive soul” who helped their children during their first years in childcare.

Parks Shire Council Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee said the Taits’ work with the community “would not be forgotten”.

“It is hard to believe I will never see her smiling, friendly face again,” Applebee commented.

“Thank you Miss Sue and Graham for being part of the positive, reliable, encouraging framework of our community.”

One man said she was “a very empathetic, sensitive soul, Sue always had a smile and positive attitude” and sent his condolences to their children.

“May they gain solace in knowing how loved their parents were,” the man said.

“Absolutely heartbreaking - Graham & Sue, you were so good to me living across the road for many years,” a former neighbour said.

“Miss Sue and Mr Graham, both amazing people always happy to help or have a chat,” someone else said.

Another community member said Sue’s experience was “invaluable” and she had helped her when she was struggling to understand her children’s behaviour.

“She knew everyone who came to PECC and was patient and supportive,” she said.

“It is something she shared with her other PECC employees, but she added authority with kindness and down-to-earth advice.”

An online fundraiser for the couple’s family has collected almost $19,000 in less than 24 hours since it was posted.

Grocery donations were also being collected through Parkes Early Childhood Centre.