Childers

On June 23, 2000, the Palace Backpackers Hostel in Childers was set alight while its guests slept. It was the worst arson attack in Queensland history. The perpetrator, Robert Long, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on arson and two counts of murder. 15 people were killed. 69 managed to escape but their lives would never be the same. This is the full story of the miraculous tales of escape, bravery and pure selflessness by a community which wrapped its arms around these young men and women from across the world and took them in as their own.

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Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

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When Neil Griffith and his University friend Nigel decided to pack up their life in late 1999 and head to Australia on the adventure of a lifetime, they were young, carefree fun-seekers with the world at their feet. But it would be a trip engulfed by multiple episodes of tragedy and trauma and a key role in the investigation into the Palace Backpackers Hostel fire in Childers.

Written and produced by Paul Cochrane

Original music, sound design & editing by Zoltan Fecso

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The man who lit the Palace Backpackers Hostel was well known to police. He had an extensive criminal history across multiple states and had caused immeasurable trauma to a family who had invited him into their home. What happened in Childers was the extension of a disturbing pattern of behaviour during the decade prior.

Written and produced by Paul Cochrane

Original music, sound design & editing by Zoltan Fecso

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It took just two years and four months for the Palace to be re-opened following a full re-build on the site of the exisiting hostel. There was considerable consultation with the community and the victims' families before agreeing on what would be a stunning memorial to the Palace 15. But getting to that highly emotional unveiling was far more complex than Council had first imagined.

Written and produced by Paul Cochrane

Original music, sound design & editing by Zoltan Fecso

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the months after the fire, Council commenced its plan to restore the Palace and bring about some normality for neighbouring businesses affected by the June 2000 tragedy. But striking a deal to acquire the building and establish a suitable memorial to the victims was more challenging than they had envisioned.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/childers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.