Chiara 'Koala' Munzel: Tributes flow for Ferntree Gully disability support worker, 30

A Melbourne mum who dedicated her life to breaking down barriers for people with disabilities has died suddenly at 30, leaving her 21-month-old son behind.

Chiara Munzel with baby Anakin Porter and partner Nahum Porter. Picture supplied.

She was known as Koala.

A “whirling dervish of energy, joy and light” who was passionate about travel and dedicated to removing barriers for people with disabilities.

Chiara Munzel, 30, died suddenly and inexplicably on Sunday, devastating her partner Nahum, toddler son Anakin, 21 months, and hundreds of families across Melbourne eastern suburbs.

Those close to the young Ferntree Gully woman said she made a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Fiona Fisher met Chiara when she was a 15-year-old volunteer for Interchange, an organisation that .

“She started helping with my son Lachie, when he was 8,” Ms Fisher said.

Chiara Munzel, 30, of Ferntree Gully and son Anakin, 21 months.

Fiona Fisher met Chiara when she was a 15-year-old volunteer for Interchange Network, an organisation that provides a regular break for families of a child with a disability.

“She started helping with my son Lachie, when he was 8,” Ms Fisher said.

“He gave her the name Koala.

“He couldn’t say Chiara. It stuck. She ended up getting a big koala tattoo.”

Chiara, aged 16, and sister Freya, aged 18, both volunteered for Interchange.

Chiara went on to become a disability support worker, a career she was passionate about.

Ms Fisher said she formed a strong connection with Chiara who was a “fierce ally” for the people she supported.

“She was creative, fearless, and deeply driven — never taking no for an answer when advocating for those in her care,” she said.

“If any one said someone couldn’t do something she’d get this look in her eyes, she’d put her shoulders back and give a little smile and say ‘Yes, they can’.”

Lachie Fisher is all smiles with Chiara Munzel at her son Anakin’s first birthday. Picture supplied.

Lachie, who has autism and intellectual disabilities, is now 21 and recently moved into supported housing.

“Chiara would visit him with Anakin and Lachie’s face would light up,” Ms Fisher said.

“Telling him he won’t see her again is going to be really hard.”

Ms Fisher, who Chiara dubbed ‘Mumma Fish’ said the young mum’s death came as a “profound shock”.

“There was no warning. We caught up on Friday and were talking about plans for the following week.

“Her death is being described as a medical incident and the coroner is investigating the cause.”

Chiara celebrates son Anakin’s first birthday with friend Fiona Fisher of Ringwood. Picture: supplied.

An online fundraiser has been created to cover the cost of Chiara’s funeral and ensure her son has everything he needs.

In just two days more than $5000 of the $10,000 was raised.

“You don’t have a funeral plan when you’re only 30” Ms Fisher said.

“We’re doing all we can to make sure she is farewelled properly and anything left over will go to Anakin’s future.

“She loved being a mum. Ani was her whole world. It’s heartbreaking to think she won’t see him grow up.

“But he will know his mum. We’ll make sure of that.”