The brother of a young Queensland mother killed in northern Tasmania has spoken of his grief at losing his sister.
Gabbie Marshall, 23, was fatally stabbed in a house on Main Street, Ulverstone, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Police said she was visiting her friend who was also in the house at the time, along with her friend's two children, aged two and three.
A 35-year-old Ulverstone man who was arrested at a house in the same street has been charged with murder.
Ms Marshall's older brother, Casey McCarthy, said his sister had only been in Tasmania for a couple of weeks for a fresh start.
"As we are all still very lost and in disbelief from it all, it's very hard to express exactly how we are all feeling at this stage," he said.
Mr McCarthy said his sister protected the ones she loved the most, especially her daughter.
"She [the daughter] doesn't fully understand what has happened, but obviously the death of a parent impacts any child's life.
"We are all just going to do our best to keep her on the right path through life knowing her mum is with her every step of the way."
He said his parents and other siblings would describe Ms Marshall as "free spirited" and into "fitness and music".
Police charge an Ulverstone man
The accused is expected to appear before the Devonport Magistrates Court on Thursday morning.
In an earlier statement, police said there appeared to be no known connection between the man and the victim.
Tasmania Police are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time to call 131 444.
