Allan Bennett, Sylvie, Lindsay Ingleton and Helen Newcombe were leaving an Old Time dance at the Burrumbeet Soldiers Memorial Hall when police say they failed to give way, colliding with a B-double truck headed for Ballarat. 

Mr Bennett, 82 of Maryborough, and Mr Ingleton, 81 of Beaufort, died at the scene. Sylvie, 72 of Castlemaine, was flown to hospital where she later died of injuries. Mr Ingleton’s partner Ms Newcombe, 62, was flown to hospital in a critical condition. Her daughter Nicky Savage told The Courier on Monday that her mother was now in a ward and stable. 

Majorca couple Norma and Ivan Barrett remembered Mr Bennett as an enthusiastic dancer who had joined the close-knit Old Time dance scene about seven years ago. Ms Savage said her mother and Mr Ingleton met “in a true tale of romance” at the Old Time dance several years ago.

“They met later in life … he was such a patient man," Ms Savage said.

“He really took on that grandfather role towards our kids. Me, David and our four children will never forget the quiet chuckles. I am not looking forward to seeing an empty chair at the table.” 

She said the four great friends regularly had dinner at her mother’s house before heading to dancing. They had done that on Friday. 

The Barrett family, who organise the Majorca Old Time dance, were not at the Burrumbeet event but quickly heard of the tragedy.

 A Campbelltown dance planned for last Saturday was cancelled as news of the horrific injury spread quickly through the community. Mr Barrett said the whole community was absolutely shocked and devastated to lose three loved members. He had just turned 82. 

“Allan was a very enthusiastic person, he was very helpful in organising the dances. He was loved by all involved in the dancing. He first started coming to dancing about seven years ago, after losing his wife (Ruth),” Mr Barrett said. 

Mr Bennett is remembered as a father of Debbie and Michelle and father in law of Trevor and Barry.

He will be remembered as the loved pop of Ashleigh, Jane, Dale, Jodie, Colby, Daniel and Thomas and great pop of Ava and Harry and friend of Sylvia. 

Mrs Barrett said the dancing community had banded together after hearing of the tragedy.

“The news (of the crash) just spread through the (dancing) community like absolute wildfire,” Mrs Barrett said.

“The community is a lovely one. They were all regulars at the dance.

“We are just older people who enjoy dancing.” 

Sylvie is remembered as a “beautiful person” who loved to dance. She was also a dear friend to many in the dancing community.

 Mrs Barrett had intended to cancel Friday’s planned dance, but was urged by grieving members of the dance community to hold it as a tribute.