'Open' support for Charlize tribute

Published 1:00pm 24 February 2025

Words by Nick Crockford

Support is growing for a permanent tribute to Charlize Zmuda, the teenager who died after a shark attack at Bribie Island earlier this month.

A Council spokesperson said, when the time’s right, City of Moreton Bay is “very open” to discussions with the Charlize’s family.

It follows yesterday’s community tribute at Woorim beach, where the 17-year-old was a patrol leader with Bribie Island Surf Life Club.

Hundreds lined the beach and many took to the water as a wreath was lowered into the ocean from a Westpac rescue helicopter.

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.

“City of Moreton Bay would wholeheartedly support a permanent tribute to recognise and remember Bribie Island local Charlize Zmuda,” the Council spokesperson said.

“Our local Councillor Brooke Savige is very open to discussions with the Zmuda family about their wishes for an acknowledgment of their daughter when they are ready.”

Charlize’s father Steve told Channel 7 News yesterday: “It’s a struggle at times. I do act strong here, but I am an emotional wreck.

“My wife and I and daughter are just battling to get through the next phase. So today is a bit of closure to that.”

Charlize was also a talented musician and wrote some of her own songs. She had been planning to go to one of last week’s Billy Eilish’s Brisbane concerts.

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

“I want to dedicate this next song to Charlize Zamuda and her beautiful family. I’m sending so much love to you,” Eilish said.

Cr Brooke Savige also led the condolences at an emotional full Meeting of Moreton Bay City Council.

“She (Charlize) was a fun, caring, loving young lady whose smile lit up the room,” Cr Savige said.

“It is hard to comprehend how someone so young was able to cram so much into her short 17 years. It was clear Charlize touched so many in her community.”