A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $30,000 for the four children of Filipino-Australian mother Czarina Gatbonton Tumaliuan, who was tragically killed in her Werribee home on 27 March 2025. The outpouring of generosity followed the heartbreaking loss, as her family, friends, and community rallied to ensure her children would be supported in the wake of her death.
Czarina, known affectionately as “Toots,” was killed shortly after sending her children to school that morning. Her estranged husband, Jessie James Tumaliuan, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with her murder. The tragic incident has left the close-knit Werribee and Filipino-Australian communities devastated.
For a full account of the incident, including court proceedings and community reactions, readers can visit the original report: Mother of Four Found Dead in Werribee.
A proud mother of four, Czarina was known for her warmth, resilience, and deep love for her children. On her social media, she described herself as a “working mum, business woman, foodie and adventurer,” often sharing joyful moments with her family. In her own words, her children were her “treasure, pride, joy and inspiration.”
Community Compassion
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Czarina’s church family to support the needs of her children — ranging from daily living expenses to education, clothing, and medical care. The response from the community was immediate and overwhelming.
The campaign has now concluded, raising a total of $30,985 AUD. Hundreds of donors from across Australia and abroad contributed to the fundraiser, reflecting the deep compassion and solidarity felt by many.
Following the closure of the campaign, organiser Ronette Magay-Villaflores expressed the family’s heartfelt appreciation and confirmed that the funds have been successfully transferred. She acknowledged the impact that the donations will have on the children’s lives during this difficult time.
“On behalf of Toots’ family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our GoFundMe campaign,” she wrote.
“Your contribution will make a significant difference in helping them navigate through this period and cover essential expenses.”
Moving Forward
Although the campaign has ended, the message of compassion and solidarity continues. Supporters remain hopeful that the love shown during this time will surround Czarina’s children as they rebuild their lives.
The tragedy has served as a painful reminder of the far-reaching impact of domestic violence — and the importance of standing with survivors, families, and children whose lives are forever changed by it.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, help is available:
📞 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14
For the full report on the incident and court proceedings, read the original article here.
