Touching tribute to teen moves forward
Published 16 October 2025
- City of Moreton Bay councillors have supported a proposal to rename the Fifth Avenue Beach Access at Woorim in honour of beloved local teenager Charlize Zmuda
- Charlize, a 17-year-old surf lifesaver, known for her love of the ocean and care for the beach environment, tragically passed away in a shark attack earlier this year
- Subject to public consultation, the access will be renamed ‘Charlize’s Place’ as a lasting tribute to her memory
A proposal to rename a Woorim Beach access point after a “salt-of-the-earth" teen who loved the surf is moving forward following the support of City of Moreton Bay councillors.
Charlize Zmuda, a well-known surf lifesaver and much-loved member of the Bribie Island community, tragically passed away in a shark attack while swimming off Woorim Beach in February 2025.
The 17-year-old was a dedicated volunteer surf lifesaver with the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club, having served as Nipper Captain, Vice Patrol Captain, and Nipper Age Manager.
She also represented Bribie Island at the 2024 World Surf Lifesaving Championships.
Under the proposal, which was supported unanimously by Council at the October 8 General Meeting, Woorim Beach’s Fifth Avenue Beach Access will be renamed ‘Charlize’s Place’ in memory of the inspirational teen.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the renaming was a way of honouring the enormous contribution Charlize made to her community in such a short space of time.
“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,” he said.
“I thank Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige for bringing this proposal to council which has been supported by Charlize’s parents Renee and Steve.
“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.”
Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige said the renaming ensures Charlize’s legacy would live on for generations to come.
“In February this year, we lost a young titan of our community. Charlize was a pillar of compassion and the epitome of service before self,” she said.
“As a surf lifesaver, she would have been the first to run towards danger if someone found themselves in trouble at the beach. 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.”
City of Moreton Bay will now seek public feedback on the proposed renaming until October 30. Non-supportive submissions received over the 14-day consultation period will see the proposed action brought back to Council for reconsideration.
Public feedback can be made by emailing: council@moretonbay.qld.gov.au or via written submission to: PO Box 159, Caboolture QLD 4510.