Members of the Local Disaster Management Group, including aid agencies Lifeline Bundaberg and Red Cross Bundaberg, have met to discuss the welfare requirements of the backpackers affected by the Federal Backpacker Hostel fire.
All 62 backpackers are safe and have had their immediate needs met.
Bundaberg Regional Council and the aid agencies would like to thank the Bundaberg Region community for the generosity they have shown.
At this time the Local Disaster Management Group ask that the community stop donating clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, food, toiletries and medication for the backpackers.
Community members are also urged to not donate items directly to hostels, as they are currently at capacity for donated goods.
A co-ordination centre has been set up at Lifeline Bundaberg, 8 Queen Street, North Bundaberg. Those wishing to donate can assist by providing the following items:
• Wide-brimmed, straw hats
•            Vouchers/gift cards in lieu of cash donations – to enable the backpackers to purchase items to meet their individual needs.
Lifeline Bundaberg and Red Cross Bundaberg are in touch with the Federal Backpacker Hostel backpackers directly and will continue to provide ongoing emotional and physical support.
- Previous news: Mayor acknowledges team effort in fire emergency
I want to say a big thank you to all the organizations and local people and businesses who helped the Federal Backpackers survivors. My daughter Roisin Feeney is one of the 62. She got out in her pyjamas, safe thank god, but she lost absolutely everything she owned. She’s a very long way from her home and family in Dublin Ireland. We really appreciate the way you are all looking after her and her fellow hostelers. Marian O’Dwyer.