‘Pittance’: Landlord slapped with small fine after fire kills dad and five kids

“There is absolutely no excuse that she failed to keep abreast of the laws required … in having the premises legally wired with smoke detectors.”

Alexandra Feiam

2 min read

March 27, 2024 - 7:13AM

Family Life

Don't miss out on the headlines from Family Life. Followed categories will be added to My News.

A woman has been fined $667.25 for failing to supply adequate smoke alarms in the house where a father and his five children tragically died in a horrific fire.

In the early hours of August 6 2023, a fire broke out at a century-old property on Todman St, Russell Island in Brisbane’s southeast.

The fire quickly spread to two nearby houses, destroying the properties in the process.

Tragically, 34-year-old Wayne Godinet and his five children, Zack, 11, Harry, 10, 4yo twins Koah and Kyza and 3yo Nicky, all died in the horrific blaze.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Wayne Godinet lost his life on Russell Island along with his 5 sons; Zac and Harry, twins Kysa and Koah and youngest Nicky. Picture Facebook

Landlord charged for failing to supply adequate smoke alarm

Thankfully, the children’s mother Samantha and sister were able to flee the house fire in time.

In February 2024, the owner and landlord of the property, Donna Rose Beadel, was charged with failing to supply an adequate smoke alarm.

“Compliant smoke alarms were not installed at the dwelling,” said Police prosecutor Sergeant Angela Tetley on Tuesday, per The Courier Mail.

According to smoke alarm legislation, which was updated in January 2022, homes are required to feature interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, the hallway and on every level of the property.

They must also be less than 10 years old, operate when tested and must copmly with Australian standards.

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

The court heard that Beadle failed to comply with these requirements.

However, her lawyer, Gary O’Neill, explained in a written statement that the 61yo was not aware of the 2022 changes to legislation.

“In 2012 my client relocated the ‘old colonial home’ from Hendra to a block of land she had purchased on Todman Street at Russell Island,” he said.

“Prior to the house being removed [from Hendra] it had been completely rewired by a certified electrician, and my client engaged this electrician to attend Russell Island, where it was fitted with smoke alarms to comply with the [2012] legislation.”

According to Beadel’s lawyer, the smoke alarms were installed in the dining room, sunroom and hallway between two bedrooms.

In the written submission, the 61yo expressed remorse for her actions, and there is no suggestion she had any connection to the deadly blaze.

No conviction has been recorded.

Emergency services were called Russell Island after six bodies were found. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

“Absolutely no excuse” for failing to comply with updated smoke alarm laws

Following her guilty plea, Beadel was fined $667.25 for her non-compliant smoke alarm, the maximum penalty under the Queensland legislation.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta told the woman that, as a landlord, it is a requirement to keep up with changing property legislation and laws.

“It’s absolutely no excuse that she failed to keep abreast of the laws required of an investment property owner in having the premises legally wired with smoke detectors after January 2022,” said Magistrate Deborah Vasta.

“Given her lack of criminal history, I think it would be disproportionate to record a conviction against the defendant.

“There is no room for speculation in the court,” Vasta continued.

“I am sentencing a homeowner for not complying, I’m not imposing a sentence defined by the tragic outcome.”

“It seems a pittance, however, it’s not for me to comment on the laws.”