Community gathers to raise money in memory of beloved Charlize Zmuda

 By Chase Christensen

On Saturday November 15, the community gathered for a special and heartfelt event, Char’s Travelling Turtles Fundraiser, to honour the life and legacy of Charlize Zmuda.  

Organised by Charlize’s close friends, the fundraiser was a tribute to her deep love for sea turtles and her passion for marine conservation. Charlize tragically passed away in February this year following a fatal shark attack, but her memory and dedication to protecting marine life continue to inspire all those who knew her. This event was a way for her friends and family to ensure her mission lived on, raising money for turtle research and conservation efforts. 

The main goal of the event was to raise vital funds to support turtle research, which will help scientists track sea turtle migration, study their behaviour and protect them from environmental threats. The theme of the event ‘keep the turtles travelling’ reflected Charlize’s hope that these incredible creatures could continue their long journey across the ocean, despite the many challenges they face. 

Although the weather turned wet in the afternoon the turnout was overwhelming, with a large crowd arriving between 1pm and 5pm. The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the community and it was clear that Charlize’s passing had left a deep impact, with many attendees eager to honour her memory and support her cause. 

The event featured a variety of activities that celebrated both Charlize’s life and her commitment to ocean conservation. One of the highlights was the raffle, where attendees had the chance to win an array of prizes generously donated by local businesses. The excitement of the raffle added an extra layer of fun to the day, giving everyone a chance to contribute to the cause while also hoping for a win. 

Food and drink were a big part of the event, with a selection of local food stalls offering tasty treats. A standout offering was the sausage on bread served by the Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club, where Charlize had been a long-time member. The club raised $543 through their sausage sizzle, a meaningful contribution that reflected their close connection to Charlize. The sausages on bread became a crowd favourite and many people took a moment to reflect on Charlize’s years of service and her bond with the club. 

Despite the rain, the atmosphere remained warm and positive, with people enjoying the food, chatting with friends and sharing stories of Charlize. The strong sense of community spirit was evident and it was clear that Charlize’s memory would live on through the work being done to protect sea turtles. 

Various local businesses and organisations set up booths throughout the day, showcasing their support for turtle conservation and environmental causes. These included eco-friendly companies, marine conservation groups and local businesses that Charlize had worked with during her life. It was a powerful reminder of how many people had been touched by her passion for the ocean and her drive to protect marine life. Many attendees shared their personal stories of Charlize and how her love for the environment had inspired them to act. 

In total $16,937 was raised on the day, with proceeds set to support Char's Travelling Turtles, Bribie Island Trackers, Hummingbird House, homeless support organisations and the IamKind Movement Christmas Bears initiative. These contributions will go directly toward research and community programs that echo Charlize’s values of care, kindness and conservation. 

In the end, Char’s Travelling Turtles Fundraiser was a beautiful and fitting way to honour Charlize Zmuda’s life and her commitment to conservation. The event brought together people from all walks of life, all united in their love for the ocean and the desire to make a difference in the fight to protect sea turtles. Charlize’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations to care for the environment and ensure that these incredible creatures can continue to travel the world’s oceans for years to come.