25 years today a deadly blaze tore through a backpackers' hostel at Childers in Queensland killing 15 people. Survivors are returning there today as part of the commemorations.
00:00A group of survivors and dignitaries will gather in Childers today to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Backpacker fire.
00:10It was on this day in the early hours of the morning when the building was set alight with more than 80 people sleeping inside.
00:17Fifteen people were killed, many of them were young people visiting from overseas and working on farms.
00:23Locals who helped care for the survivors say it's an emotional time for them, reflecting on the tragedy that's changed the lives of so many people forever.
00:34I pinch myself. I know it's 25 years, but I cannot believe that it's 25 years.
00:43When you live through something like we lived through at the Palace, the first week you're never going to get over it.
00:52Certainly thinking a lot more about that period of time and the effects it had on so many people around the world.
01:00My community, myself, family members, you know, it certainly does come rushing back.
01:06The convicted arsonist and killer Robert Long was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years.
01:13He's already made multiple attempts to be freed.
01:16Now Queensland's parole board has confirmed he is a restricted prisoner.
01:21It's understood Long's application for parole and the restricted prisoner declaration has been put on hold for the 25th anniversary and he's not being considered for release.
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