Her family released the following statement about Charmaine's death:

In such tragic circumstances there will always be a search for answers. While her death was defined by depression, her life was defined by love.

Charmaine fought a brave and private battle with depression. She was determined not to allow it to control her and because she cared so much for the people she loved most, she never wanted to burden them.

Despite her struggle Charmaine was the eternal optimist. She had an enthusiasm for life which was contageous and her friends couldn't help but get caught up in her vibrant nature.

She was like a ray of sunshine and everyone who knew her basked in her joyous glow.

Her optimism was evident in the plans she was making for the future. A lover of music she had bought concert tickets to Bjork on the morning of the day she died.

She was making plans with her future husband Simon, whom she had been with since the age of 16. The couple were planning on staging a surprise wedding at their joint 30th birthdays in March next year. The couple had also talked extensively about starting a family.

While she did find it difficult living away from her family in Perth, she was surrounded by a tight knit group of supportive friends in Sydney. She enjoyed Sydney, but there was no denying that Perth was her home.

Charmaine had also started making plans for her family to visit Sydney during the summer, and was looking forward to again spending time with them, especially her favourite nephew Ayden, showing them the sights of Sydney and Canberra.

It's important people know Charmaine wasn't a negative or needy person and never wanted to be the victim. If anything, her selfless interest in others and their lives is how many will remember her.
She's left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who loved her and not a day will go by where she won't be truly missed.