Childers

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 co...

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 str...

Immediately after they escaped the burning Palace, a number of backpackers reported their suspicions and identified the primary suspect to police. Authorities then set about piecin...

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 w...

The Childers community and surrounding towns were on edge. They feared for their safety as the man dubbed Australia's most wanted was on the loose for five days after the fire. Dur...

The burden of a week of intense grief and trauma was weighing heavily on the survivors and the Childers community. The town needed a lift. It came in the form of the first Royal vi...

The strong Dutch contingent staying at the Palace brought a unique energy to the backpacker group. And in June 2000 they found a common bond through the love of their national foot...

Three days after the fire a highly emotional memorial service was held in the Community Centre. It featured the full suite of Government officials, but the focus was on the group o...

On June 23, 2000, the Childers Backpacker Hostel fire was the biggest news story in the world. It would have a profound impact on the lives and careers of some of Australia's most ...

Just two days before the fire, Keith O'Brien celebrated his 22nd birthday with guests of the Hostel. By week's end that same circle of friends would draw strength from each other a...

When it came to media spotlight, Childers was no shrinking violet, but it certainly wasn't overrun with regular requests. Nothing could prepare it for the avalanche of media that w...

Just three months before the Palace Backpackers Hostel fire, the O'Keeffe family, who were visiting from Ireland, met for dinner at a popular Sydney hotel. It was the night before ...