Lives remembered, 25-years after deadly fire which claimed 15 people

ABC NEWS (Australia)

It has been 25 years since the deadly Childers palace backpacker hostel fire that claimed the lives of 15 people. Many of them were young travellers from overseas who came seeking adventure. Now some of the survivors and family members of the victims have returned to mark the anniversary.

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00:00It's a bond forged through tragedy.

00:05Survivors of the palace backpack of fire reunited in Childers.

00:10I think it changes you as a person of what you appreciate.

00:15It's been 25 years since the horrific blaze claimed the lives of 15 people

00:21and impacted countless others across the world.

00:25It really is a burden that a lot of us carry around.

00:29Survivors and victims' families attended a private memorial,

00:34quietly paying tribute to those who perished.

00:38UK backpacker Claire Webb was just 20 when she died.

00:43Time has passed, but memories haven't faded.

00:47She was bubbly. She lit up the room with a smile.

00:52I needed to be able to step in that building because she was there.

00:57Donna Duncan cared for survivors after the fire.

01:01She says the scars are permanent.

01:04It's not getting any easier.

01:06And I think I'll take it with me to my grave.

01:09And then I might have some peace.

01:11The man responsible for starting the fire was sentenced to life in prison.

01:17Queensland's Parole Board has confirmed Robert Long has applied for parole and is considered a restricted prisoner.

01:24It means the board will accept submissions from the victims' families and the survivors who have been fighting against his release.

01:32He doesn't deserve to walk these streets and be mixed into society.

01:36As far as I'm concerned, he should stay in jail for the rest of his natural life.

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