Jordana Johnson: Families of Gladstone triple-fatal house fire victims speak

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains the names and images of people who have died.

Family of a mother, son and the boy’s best friend killed in a house fire say two families have come together in culture and tragedy as they speak for the first time since the deadly blaze.

Jordana Johnson, her son Jordan Norris, 12, and his close friend Chazz Mather, 12, died in the Queensland city of Gladstone on October 15. The house at Toolooa was engulfed about 6am.

“Gularn Neryi, three beautiful souls who were tragically taken from us on Wednesday 15th October, in Yallarm (Gladstone),” the families said in a statement.

“Jordana Johnson, Jordan Norris and Chazz Mather are our nutchum, our whanau, our family,” they said, honouring their First Nations and Maori heritage.

“As you can see, we have representation from two families from different cultures that are now one through this tragedy. We are supporting each other by connecting, reflecting and sharing the beautiful memories to honour them all.”

A community gathering will be held at the city’s Barney Point Beach on the morning of October 25.

In the statement, posted by local state MP Glenn Butcher, the families thank the first responders and the police liaison officer.

Ms Johnson’s family describe her as a devoted mother.

“Her children were her world. Her love extended to her family and friends and she was always willing to help anyone in need.”

The boys were fun loving, confident and caring, they said.

“Jordan was fun, playful and cheeky, protective of his mum, his sisters, and his friends.

“Chazz was an outgoing and loving soul with a cheeky attitude who always looked out for the people he loved.

“Jordan and Chazz were more than just friends, they were brothers.”

The joint statement requested privacy during these initial stages of grieving and farewell.

“Knowing that this has impacted many, especially our young people, we ask that you provide safe spaces for them to connect and yarn,” the families said.

“As our family comes to term with our loss, our Elders sincerely request that during this sorry business, we kindly ask the public and media to no longer share any harmful or distressing images of the events that occurred.”

A fundraiser has been set up by Adriana Johnson to support Chazz’s mother and his seven siblings and Ms Johnson’s two remaining daughters.

“The recent house fire in Gladstone has ripped apart not only two families but the entire community,” she said in the fundraiser.

“The family want to thank the community and the outpouring of support we have received around the country who have expressed their condolences, love and support during this time.

“The donations received will go directly to Jordana’s two daughters to start over who lost everything of their mother’s home, and Chazz’s mother and seven siblings as both families navigate and rebuild after such a devastating loss.”

More than $22,700 had been donated as of Tuesday.

Queensland Police’s homicide unit were called in to investigate, and the destroyed house was declared a crime scene for about 24 hours after the fire.

Police were at the time calling for anyone with footage or information to come forward. NewsWire has approached police for an update.