‘My vision’: Queensland move ends in tragedy for skincare power couple

A power couple from Melbourne seemed to have everything going for them when they upped sticks for a new life in 2022 – before it ended in tragedy.

The power couple behind a multimillion-dollar skincare brand moved from Melbourne to Queensland to escape “continuous lockdowns” in 2022, but the sea-change would end in tragedy after the husband was stabbed to death in front of their beach home this week.

Zdravko Bilic, 57, was stabbed multiple times in the stomach outside the couple’s $2.5 million home on the Sunshine Coast on Monday around 7.30pm after what police are calling a “disturbance” outside the five-bedroom home in Warrana.

On Thursday morning, two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, were charged with the man’s death.

Mr Bilic’s wife Gry Tomte, 53, is the founder of HUD, a high-end skin brand, and detailed how the couple moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2022 after Covid-19.

The couple made the move to the Sunshine Coast in 2022. Picture: Facebook

Ms Tomte told her social media followers that the lockdowns had taken the “shine” off Melbourne.

She said she and Mr Bilic could not be happier with the decision to pack up and move to the Sunshine Coast in 2022, taking their two huskies with them.

“My vision four years ago was to create the life I’m lucky to live right now,” she wrote.

“Two years ago I would have never in a million years believed that I’d be doing a different job and living in another state 100 meters from miles of beach front.”

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said Mr Bilic was home alone at the time.

He said Mr Bilic’s wife was away on a business trip and raised the alarm when she had not heard from her husband for some time.

“[Ms Tomte] was concerned because she hadn’t heard from him and as a result spoke to the neighbour who made the emergency call,” he said.

The Sunshine Coast home, which was purchased by the couple in December 2021. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bilic and Ms Tomte purchased the Sunshine Coast house in December 2021 before settling into the home in March the following year.

Inspector Toohey said Mr Bilic was a “valued member of the community” and that his “terrible” death shocked their neighbours.

“He is a community-minded person that was well-loved in the area,” he told reporters.

Warana is considered one of the safest areas of the Sunshine Coast, known for its up-market homes and stretches of beaches.

Zdravko Bilic was murdered while his wife Gry Tomte was interstate on business. Picture: Facebook

“We pride ourselves on having, trying to maintain a safer environment for all our residents and of course being a tourist destination – we also like for people coming to visit to feel safe,” Inspector Toohey said.

“So [Mr Bilic’s death] is a shock.

“It makes us more vigilant to maintain that level of safety and make sure that we hold the [alleged] offenders to account.”

Tomte makes statement

On Thursday afternoon, Ms Tomte made a statement via Queensland Police about her husband’s death, revealing that the couple had been together for 28 years.

“He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to help anyone,” she said.

“And even if you weren’t his friend, if he saw you on the street he’d smile, have a chat - and if you needed help he’d treat you the same way.”

Ms Tomte said Mr Bilic was an avid soccer fan who had only missed two Melbourne Victory games in 10 years.

She also said he would be remembered for the work he did as a children’s soccer coach.

“Coach Zed as he was known, he was an exceptional male role model for the kids he worked with at the early childhood centres up here on the coast.

“Whether we were walking on the beach, going to the mall, or visiting the zoo – there would always be a little, enthusiastic excited voice yelling: ‘Coach Zed, Coach Zed!’”

“It was so clear to me and everyone who saw this, that he was a superhero to the little kids he worked with.”

Zed Bilic and his wife in Croatia. Picture: Facebook

Mr Bilic’s social media pages are filled with overseas adventures alongside Ms Tomte, including trips of Europe and the United States.

Sunshine Coast residents Zdravko Bilic and Gry Tomte in New York. Picture: Facebook

The couple visiting Croatia. Picture: Facebook

Mr Bilic previously worked for a bus company while the pair were living in Melbourne.

He was born in Zagreb, Croatia, however, the pair spent a long stint in Canada before making Australia their permanent home.

“From the moment we met, both of us living away from family in the new country we had fallen in love with, we knew instantly we were each others’ ‘person’,” Ms Tomte wrote.

“He selflessly, and with much pride, stood in the shadow and pushed me forward.”