Heartbroken family break silence after grandmother-of-five was found dead inside Maroubra unit in 'suspicious' circumstances

The grieving family of a beloved grandmother found dead at a public housing complex in 'suspicious' circumstances have expressed their heartbreak as a strike force investigation continues.

Emergency services were called to the address in Astoria Circuit in the Sydney beachside suburb of Maroubra and found the body of Christine Dawson, 66, inside a first floor unit on Monday.

Loved ones described Ms Dawson, who moved to Australia from New Zealand 35 years ago, as a sister, mother, grandmother-of-five and friend who would give you her last cent. They're now waiting on the results of an autopsy, which they hope will reveal the cause of her death.

'She was pure to her soul, she was a beautiful person,' daughter Tamara told Nine News .

'I'm still completely shocked about it.'

Granddaughter Faith added: 'She had a really kind heart'.

Soon after Ms Dawson's body was found, a man she had reportedly been in a relationship with was arrested.

Shane Tucker, 55, was taken to Maroubra Police Station to be questioned by detectives as a crime scene was established at the complex.

Tucker was later charged with breaching an apprehended violence order against Ms Dawson.

His lawyer appeared on his behalf at Waverley Court on Tuesday, where he did not apply for bail.

No charges have been laid over Ms Dawson's death.

Police allege Tucker breached the AVO sometime between 6am and 11.30am on the morning Ms Dawson's body was found.

In June, an AVO was finalised at Waverley Court for the protection of Ms Dawson against Tucker, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Under the AVO conditions, he was not to approach or be in the company of Ms Dawson for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs.

Tucker was also barred from going within 200m of her home or where she worked.

NSW Police are treating Ms Dawson's death as suspicious and have spent a second day going through rubbish bins in the area and interviewing locals .

Detectives also seized a number of items from the apartment where Ms Dawson's body was found.

Tucker was remanded in custody and will reappear in court next week.

For Ms Dawson's family, the wait for answers goes on.

'I'm just going to miss her very, very much,' her daughter Tamara said.