Much loved Noosa resident Rhonda Townsend died on 23 December, 2025 in a tragic accident at Tewantin and will be remembered in a memorial on Monday 12 January.
Rhonda’s nephew and niece Simon and Louise have asked that details of the accident be released to both allay the confusion in the community surrounding the accident and relieve them of the distress in having to repeat it.
The information was provided to her family from the coroners report and the chain of events uncovered through the viewing of CCTV footage.
Rhonda left work at Making Lives Matter about 3pm on Monday 23 December, stopping on her way home to buy groceries at the shops at Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin.
Rhonda had returned to her car in the carpark and put her shopping in the car.
She hopped into her car, put it into reverse gear and released the handbrake, but hadn’t moved her car when another car parked behind her, reversed into her car. That car then drove off without stopping.
Rhonda has gone to jump out of the car, leaving it in reverse and was struck by her own car. Her vehicle continued moving and the wheel has driven over her chest. This has taken her life, the report from the coroner states.
A police spokesman said no charges have been laid in relation to the accident, however, the Forensic Crash Unit has obtained CCTV in addition to other footage and will examine this as part of the investigation.
Simon and Louise said people at the scene of the accident had done an amazing job of coming to her aid but no-one had witnessed the accident and were puzzled as to how it had occurred.
Rhonda’s family will be holding two memorial services in Noosa and Sydney to celebrate and honour her life.
In Noosa a service will be held on Monday 12 January at 10am at Drysdale Funerals Tewantin Chapel, 27 Butler Street, Tewantin Friends and the wider community are invited to attend and to wear colour as a reflection of the brightness, personality and light that Rhonda brought into the world.
Making Lives Matter, where Rhonda volunteered, presenting its showroom with such exceptional style, paid tribute to her on social media.
“It is with the greatest sadness to announce the passing of our dearest, darling Rhonda Townsend on 23 December 2025.
“Rhonda your unwavering dedication and amazing, unbelievable talent inspired all.
“You were so loving, so caring, so loyal, so committed, so hardworking, funny, an awesome colleague and friend to all, young and old.
“You made our world a brighter, more beautiful place.
“You will always be remembered and forever be carried in our hearts, darling Rhonda.
“Words fail us, as we miss you so much!
Thank for coming into our lives, it was an honour!
“Rest in peace our beautiful Angel”
