Christine Stewart: Ballarat personal trainer farewelled at Keilor funeral following crash at Torrumbarry

The mother of a Ballarat personal trainer killed in a crash in northern Victoria says her daughter’s funeral was a reflection of how much she was loved.

The mother of a Ballarat personal trainer killed in a two-car crash in northern Victoria says her daughter’s funeral was a “beautiful” reflection of how much she was loved.

Christine Stewart, 29 of Newtown near Ballarat, was killed at the intersection of Murray Valley Highway and Farley Rd at Torrumbarry on January 25.

She is a mother of three and was an established personal trainer at Ben’s Army 24/7 Fitness in Ballarat.

Her funeral was held at the Overnewton Castle, Keilor, in what her mother Belinda Hackney described as a moving tribute to her life.

“It was not a very easy day, but it was so beautiful,” she said.

“Christine was the most amazing daughter, mother and friend and also loved by many people she touched in her very short life.

“There are no words to tell you just how much that she meant to me, she had such strength and courage in life.

“I truly wish that I could have been half the person she was.

“I love her so very much and I just don’t know how I will ever go on without her to fall back on.

“However, I have to go on for my three gorgeous grandchildren.”

It comes as an art mural will be dedicated to her memory at the Ballarat gym she coached and trained at.

The mural will be on the walls inside the gym with details to be announced soon.

Close friend and co-worker Ben Sellars said the memorial would be near the squat cage she “loved so much”.

“Christine will always be a part of us and we want her to be remembered as the hero she was,” Mr Sellars said.

Mr Sellars, who worked with Ms Stewart for five years at his Ballarat gym, said she was a talented personal trainer.

“She was one of the most relatable people for those starting out at the gym as a mum of three who had been on an incredible weight loss journey,” Mr Sellars said.

“She knew the real struggles that mums go through. She was such a genuine person.

“She had that kind of demeanour that you could trust her straight away.”

Mr Sellars said her clients had “broken down” on the phone when they heard the news, “and so did I”.

Client and friend Sally Hipwell said her professional relationship with Ms Stewart quickly blossomed into a friendship.

“Our sessions were full of laughter and me swearing at her because she would push me out of my comfort zone,” Ms Hipwell said.

“She genuinely was such a kind and supportive person. She had my back and I had hers.

“I’m still in shock, I’m struggling to accept she’s gone. I’m going to miss her so bloody much.”

Christine was farewelled at a funeral on Friday, February 18. Picture: Facebook

Ms Stewart was a childcare worker until she started her personal training business, Christine Jane Fitness.

According to her social media, she hoped to inspire other women by teaching a “positive mindset” on their weight loss journey.

Late last year she said she was looking forward to her future.

“So here we are. Last year of my 20s. Am I scared of time ticking away … yes. Do I know what the next year holds … nope. But I am excited to make the most of my 20s … for sure,” Ms Stewart wrote on her Instagram page.

Police say the circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined.

It is believed a Ford Ranger travelling along the Murray Valley Highway crashed into the rear of Ms Stewart’s Mitsubishi Triton.

Ms Steward sadly died at the scene and her passenger, a 24-year-old Altona Meadows woman, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Ford Ranger driver, a 29-year-old woman from Patho, was taken to hospital for treatment and is assisting police with their inquiries.