Catiuscia Machado is allegedly murdered by her boyfriend in the bathtub at their Chiswick, inner western Sydney apartment

The boyfriend of a special needs teacher whose body was found in the bathtub of their inner-city apartment has been charged with her murder.

Diogo De Oliveira, 40, is accused of killing Cati Machado during a domestic incident around 9.50pm on Saturday at their Chiswick unit in Sydney's inner west.

Police allege De Oliveira, 40, punched Ms Machado, causing her to fall into the bathtub filled with water where she died.

The Brazilian teacher, believed to be in her 40s, had only recently arrived in Australia. Police are currently trying to contact her relatives in her homeland.

De Oliveira is alleged to have called a friend in the wake of the death, who then called police and raised the alarm. 

Officers  arrested De Oliveira at at the unit block on Berchert Road, Chiswick, and he was taken to Burwood Police Station where he was charged with murder.

He appeared before Burwood Local Court on Monday and did not apply for bail. A post mortem into the cause of death is underway.

Ms Machado was a specialist in psychopedagogy which is educating children with mental health issues.

'I work in cognitive development, with a focus on learning difficulties,' she described her work online.

In a recent post on Facebook, she wrote about her hopes for the future and vowed to make changes to her life.

'It says that each cycle of our life lasts seven years,' she posted in May 2022. 'And it really was for me. 

'This month my last is complete, A cycle with beginning, middle and end... one of the most difficult ones to do. 

'I learned, I matured, I went through things I never imagined going through. Those who really know me know.'

She added: 'Now is the start of a new one. 

'I carry more wisdom, more self love, knowledge of what I want, and most importantly, what I don't want in my life. 

'Bring on the next seven years!'