The Childers community will come together to commemorate the 25 year anniversary of the Palace Backpacker Hostel fire.
On 23 June 2000 fire tore through the Palace building and 15 backpackers lost their lives.
Bundaberg Regional Council has joined Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Ambulance Service, Childers church leaders and a locally led performance group to coordinate commemoration activities.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the tragedy had left an indelible mark on the community which had rallied in support of those impacted.
“The Palace Backpacker’s fire was a harrowing and avoidable event which forever changed the lives of the families of those who were lost and the survivors,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“The Childers community banded together to show its support to survivors – from local businesses who provided hot drinks, food and blankets to residents who donated money, clothing, accommodation and medical supplies to the first responders and Isis Shire Council and emergency services who provided ongoing support during what became an international news story.
“Over the next two weeks volunteers would prepare 1,400 meals for those impacted.
“It truly galvanised an entire town into a combined recovery effort and showcased the kindness and resilience the people of Childers have long been known for.
“On this 25 year anniversary we pause to reflect and remember this tragic event and the profound impact it left on many families and an entire community.”
Now restored and known as the Palace Memorial building, the Childers Arts Space is situated on the top floor and maintains a year round memorial featuring a Memorial Wall and an oil on canvas painting of the 15 backpackers who lost their lives.
The Memorial Wall was created by artist, Sam Di Mauro on a 2 tonne sheet of glass within which is 15 memory boxes each honouring one of the victims.
Artist Josonia Palaitis was commissioned to create the painting titled Taking a Break in the Field depicting all 15 victims in a Childers farm setting.
Since opening in October 2002, the Palace Memorial Building has received over one million visitors.
In honour of the anniversary the Childers Arts Space will be a place of quiet reflection, open to the community across the weekend but will close to the public on 23 June.
In addition to a public memorial service, being led by clergy of the local churches at Sacred Heart Church, and a poignant performance piece, Council will host a private memorial service for survivors and victims’ families and invited guests.
Palace Backpacker fire 25 year anniversary commemoration program:
Saturday 21 June 2025
11 am – Memorial Vigil – Sacred Heart Church, followed by light refreshments at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
1 pm and 6 pm – The Palace Performance – Isis Cultural Centre
Monday 23 June 2025
Childers Arts Space, including the memorial wall and artwork, will close to the public.
The Palace Backpacker’s Memorial, operated by Bundaberg Regional Council, is located on the first floor of the restored Palace Memorial Building at 72 Churchill Street in Childers.
