Childers fire: 25 years on lost honoured in powerful musical

Twenty-five years after the Childers backpackers hostel fire, survivors and the local community will unite in remembrance through a musical performance honouring those lost.

The Childers Palace Hostel Memorial portrait painting of the 15 backpacker fire victims. Paul Beutel

On Monday June 23, 2025, it will be 25 years since tragedy ripped through the small town of Childers and 15 lives were lost in a horrific fire at the Palace Backpackers, changing so many lives forever.

The hostel in the heart of the township straddling the Bruce Highway was set alight by disgruntled fruit picker Robert Paul Long, who remains in jail for his crime.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, survivors described the generosity of the Childers community, who rallied to support “the kids” with home cooked meals and accomodation in the wake of one of Australia’s deadliest incidents.

WA backpacker Stacey Slarke with twin sister Kelly both died in a fire at the Palace Backpackers Hostel in Childers, Qld. victim victims /Fires/Australia

Twenty-five years on, the warm spirit of Childers’ residents efforts has culminated in a production created by Bundaberg-based writer and director Rod Ainsworth, in collaboration with composer John Babbage of Brisbane ensemble Topology.

Pictures from Childers backpacker survivor Jochy Visser. Picture on stairs: Group of Dutch nationals. On the left top is Sebastian Westerveld, top right Rob Jansen, second row from the ground floor on the left is fire victim Joly Van Der Velden. Supplied.

The production, named for the hostel at the centre of the tragedy, The Palace, takes the form of a 50-minute song cycle.

It is being delivered in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council and Arts Queensland, and supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund.

Childers backpackers fire victim Claire Webb, an English backpacker who had been travelling Australia for six months when she was killed in the fire lit by Robert Paul Long in 2000. Photo Supplied

First-hand testimonies of the traumatic experience will be woven together through spoken word, original music and song.

Vocal lead in the musical and Childers resident Sue McCloy said “is not just a beautiful piece of art – it gives people a sense of pride and, hopefully, closure.”

25 PHOTOS: Looking back at Childers fire tragedy

VIEW GALLERY

“It really does highlight who we are – our empathy, our caring, how nothing was too much trouble when it came to wrapping our arms around the survivors.

“It makes me so proud to be a Childers-ite,” she said.

Palace Backpackers Hostel fire at Childers, Qld - backpacker Keith O'Brien at church memorial service for victims on June 23, 2000.

The Isis Cultural Centre in Childers – the same site that became a refuge and support hub after the fire in 2000– will also host the performances.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Times: 1pm and 6pm performances

Length: 50 minutes

Venue: Isis Cultural Centre, 49 Churchill Street, Childers

Tickets: $25

A private performance will also be held on the anniversary date, Monday, June 23, as part of a Bundaberg council-led commemoration.

The Childers Palace Hostel Memorial portrait painting of the 15 backpacker fire victims. Image: Paul Beutel.

Robert Long, 62, the man convicted of starting the fire, made a fresh bid for freedom to the parole board in May 2025.

At the time of the blaze, 88 people were staying in the hostel; 15 travellers from England, Netherlands, Ireland, Korea, Japan and Australia, died.

In 2020, the 62-year-old Long made his first appeal for early release but was rejected.

Community members, family of victims and survivors all signed a petition against his release.

Long’s latest bid comes just weeks before the 25th anniversary.

A decision is yet to be released to the public on Long’s second submission.

Originally published as Childers fire: 25 years on lost honoured in powerful musical