Beach tribute for Charlize

A beach access on Bribie Island is set to become Charlize’s Place in tribute to the teenager who died after a shark attack nearby.

Moreton Bay City Councillors have backed a request to name the Fifth Ave access point in Woorim after Charlize Maree Zmuda.

The 17-year-old was a volunteer surf lifesaver with Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club and served as Nipper Captain, Vice Patrol Captain and Nipper Age Manager.

She also represented Bribie at the 2024 World Surf Lifesaving Championships and was known for her “environmental stewardship, regularly collecting litter from the beach”.

History board

Draft wording for a history board at Charlize's Place is: “Celebrates Charlize Zmuda (2007-2025) a Bribie Island surf lifesaver and environmental advocate who gave her time to protect Woorim Beach and support her community.”

Following unanimous support from Councillors, the proposal will now seek public feedback until October 30.

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) submitted the application to rename the beach access after Charlize, whose family has supported the move.

“As a surf lifesaver, she would have been the first to run towards
danger if someone found themselves in trouble at the beach," Cr Savige said.

"My heart goes out to Renee, Steve and the entire Zmuda family who have already endured so much. They can be very proud of the legacy their daughter has left.

“While Charlize is no longer with us, I have no doubt that Woorim Beach has gained a guardian angel.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “Charlize’s passion for surf lifesaving was only matched by her dedicated environmental stewardship, and it is fitting Council honours her memory through this renaming.

"We hope this renaming helps in some small way to inspire others to give back to their community in the same way Charlize did throughout the course of her young life

When the item came before Council, Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway: “Bit of an emotional one this. I know how important this is to Councillor Savige and her community.”

Cr Cath Tonks (Div 9) added: “It will be a beautiful spot for Charlize to be remembered by her family and friends.”

Non-supportive submissions over the 14-day consultation will see the proposed action brought back to Council for reconsideration.

Public feedback can be made by emailing: [email protected] or via written submission to: PO Box 159, Caboolture QLD 4510.

Ocean tribute

Following the shark attack on February 3, hundreds lined the beach in tribute to Charlize and many took to the water as a Westpac rescue helicopter lowered a wreath into the ocean.

Surfers then formed a circle around younger sister Steph to honour Charlize, who joined Bribie Island Nippers at eight and was an Under 9's Age Manager.

Charlize was also a talented musician and wrote some of her own songs. She had been planning to go to a Billy Eilish concert in Brisbane.

The American singer songwriter paused during her show at Brisbane Entertainment Centre to pay her own tribute.