Qld: Childers backpackers rises from ashes

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2004
Qld: Childers backpackers rises from ashes

BRISBANE, April 8 AAP - The hostel where 15 backpackers died nearly four years ago
will reopen its doors today in a move it is hoped will breathe new life into the small
Queensland town of Childers.

Fifteen young travellers from around the world died on June 23, 2000 when they were
trapped in a fire at the Palace Backpackers in the centre of the rural town near Bundaberg
in south-east Queensland.

A memorial was later erected in memory of the backpackers, many of whom were living
in the hostel as they picked fruit in the surrounding areas.

Palace owner and builder John Thurtell said it was an emotional day, and his heart
went out to the families of the deceased, many of whom had visited the memorial built
on the site.

He said it was hoped the new hostel would breathe new life into the town and its community
who were heavily affected by the tragedy.

"My heart goes to the families, but the community has been fantastic," Mr Thurtell
told Channel Nine today.

"The council here has worked very hard and we have been able to come up with a facility
here that is first class.

"The memorial is a major tourist attraction - it is pulling 300-plus people per day
just walking through the memorial.

"For the town itself, it will revive the centre of the town, there will be a lot more
people now. There will be a 122-bed backpackers here which will make the town thrive even
more."

Mr Thurtell said bookings for the new $2.1 million hostel, built adjacent to the old
building, had "gone through the roof" with bookings mainly from foreign visitors.

The new hostel, which includes the restored facade of the original timber building,
has been built around the fire victims' memorial, and includes an art gallery, a tourist
information centre and a fountain with a section of a fire-blackened brick wall from the
old hostel.

An official opening is planned for later this month.

AAP nt/drp/jlw

KEYWORD: BACKPACKERS

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