The devastated families of a woman and two boys killed in a house fire say they have been "forever changed" by the tragedy that tore apart their community.
Jordana Johnson, 36, her 12-year-old son Jordan Norris and his friend Chazz Mather, also 12, were killed in the October 15 blaze that destroyed a two-storey home in central Queensland.
Almost a week later, the victims' families have spoken publicly for the first time as the Gladstone community plans to remember the trio at a beachside gathering.
"Three beautiful souls were tragically taken from us," they said in a statement posted on social media via Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher on Tuesday.
"The impact of this horrific event is being deeply felt not only by our family but by the Gladstone community and across the nation.
"Our lives, and all those that loved and knew Jordana, Jordan and Chazz are forever changed."
The community has rallied around the victims' families as police investigate the fire's cause, with a gathering planned at nearby Barney Point Beach on Saturday.
"We are overwhelmed with grief but also with gratitude for the love, support and generosity being shown to our families we definitely feel it," the families said.
Ms Johnson is remembered as a devoted mum with a big heart whose children were "her world".
Her son Jordan was "fun, playful and cheeky" and protective of his family and friends.
His mate Chazz was described as an outgoing "loving soul with a cheeky attitude".
The fire is believed to have broken out while Chazz was visiting for a sleepover.
"Jordan and Chazz were more than just friends they were brothers," the families said.
It took crews almost two hours to extinguish the October 15 blaze, with search efforts for the trio initially hampered by the house's top storey collapsing.
A fourth person escaped the blaze and was treated for minor injuries in hospital.
Family, friends and community members are welcome to attend the weekend gathering to pay their respects, Gladstone MP Mr Butcher said.
A GoFundMe account has also been set up to help the victims' families with more than $24,000 raised by late Tuesday.
