Up to 500 people turned out on a beach in New South Wales today to remember a New Zealand woman who lost her life trying to save a drowning boy.
Agnes "Aggie" Auelua Photo: Facebook
Despite not being able to swim, Agnes Auelua dove into the water at Fingal Head last week after the nine-year-old boy was caught by a wave and pulled out to sea.
The boy was pulled to safety, but Ms Auelua, 26, died in hospital.
Today members of the Fingal Surf Life Saving Club paddled a rescue board - etched with Ms Auelua's nickname, Aggie - out into the water where a wreath was laid in her honor.
The board was then returned to the beach, where people gathered to lay flowers, and pray.
Surf Club president Steven Kudzius said members of Ms Auelua's family also attended, with many arriving by plane from New Zealand this morning.
"When someone gives so much to the community like Aggie did, from what people were saying, the least they could give back was to come down and show their respects to such a beautiful person, so it really meant alot to the family to have people there to support them."
He said many did not know Ms Auelua, but all have been touched by her heroism.
Mr Kudzius said the service was an opportunity to pay respect to a beautiful woman who acted selflessly, and a chance for the community to have closure.
