25 Years Ago, A Revengeful Man Set Fire To A Queensland Hostel

25 Years Ago, A Revengeful Man Set Fire To A Queensland Hostel

Author: Mamamia Podcasts February 5, 2025 Duration: 54:46

On June 23rd, 2000, just after midnight, Robert Paul Long set fire to the Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel in Queensland. He had recently been evicted for not paying his rent and in his anger, he sparked a tragedy.

There were 84 travellers in the hostel that night. They woke up gasping for air and choking on smoke in the pitch-black darkness.

15 people lost their lives, making this one of the deadliest fires in Australian history. Our guest, journalist Paul Cochrane, interviewed the survivors. In many instances, he was the only interview they gave.

Listen to Paul’s podcast Childers here.

Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast.

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CREDITS

Guests: Paul Cochrane

Host: Gemma Bath

Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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Gemma Bath hosts True Crime Conversations, a podcast from Mamamia Podcasts that delves into infamous criminal cases from Australia and around the world. Rather than just recounting facts, each episode is built around a direct conversation with someone who has a unique, often personal connection to the story. You might hear from a detective who worked the case, a journalist who covered the trial, a family member seeking answers, or a forensic expert who examined the evidence. This approach brings a tangible, human dimension to stories that can sometimes feel distant or sensationalised. The tone is engaging and thoughtful, focusing on the nuances and the people affected, rather than just the shock value. It’s for anyone who appreciates a deeper, more conversational entry into the true crime genre, where the emphasis is on understanding the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ from those who were actually there. Listening to this podcast feels like being part of a serious, yet accessible, discussion about some of the most compelling and complex crimes in recent history.
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