Hundreds gather to remember alleged murder victim Pheobe Bishop in Bundaberg

Kaylea Bishop’s heartfelt tribute to her sister Pheobe struck a powerful chord, urging all to cherish their loved ones during a second vigil for the alleged murder victim.

Hundreds of people gathered in the cold and joined together in the Bundaberg region on Monday night to honour and remember alleged murder victim, Pheobe Bishop.

Friends, family and community leaders spoke to the 300-strong crowd in Buss Park on Monday night, where attendees were invited to wear bright colours and butterflies, and to bring a candle.

Family friend Amie Joseph spoke about how she loved Pheobe with as much love as she feels for her own daughters, and how she had the ability to embrace anyone who needed support.

“When I first met Pheobe, I instantly knew that her heart had been handcrafted by her mum, Kylie, and her big sister, Kaylea,” Ms Joseph said.

“She was fiercely protective, gentle to those who were hurting, and she had the ability to stand with two feet firmly planted on the earth with her arms wide open for anyone seeking refuge.”

Older sister Kaylea Bishop spoke off the cuff and from the heart, struggling through her words but pushing through tears.

She told the crowd to cherish their siblings, even when they “piss you off”.

“Don’t take it for granted,” she said.

“Love every minutes of it because I would pay a million bucks to have (Pheobe) walk through my door and punch me in the arm.

“Love the good and the bad. Worship it all. Capture the memories.”

Pheobe’s mum, Kylie Johnson, said she wanted to bring a light to the important work Making a Difference camp and the Y School in Bundaberg do and what a positive impact both programs had on her daughter’s life.

A digital drawing made in memory of allegedly murdered teenager, Pheobe Bishop. Photo: Facebook

She said Pheobe would be blown away by the support the family had received, not only from their immediate community by also from around the world.

“Fee would be so proud that she got to travel the world without even leaving Australia,” Ms Johnson said.

“She would just, oh my goodness, she’d be blown away by that support.”

Mayor Helen Blackburn spoke about the importance of community and how this tragic event has reminded her of how much the “invisible threads” of care, trust and shared experience tie people together.

“In times like these, the true character of a community is revealed and what I’ve seen in these past days is something really powerful,” Mayor Blackburn said.

Once the tributes had concluded, Kaylea invited the crowd to get to their feet, light their candles and dance to I Lived by OneRepublic.

The family moved through park, dancing and embracing people as they went.

Sarah Lester and Marley, 4, at a vigil for alleged murder victim, Pheobe Bishop in Bundaberg on Monday, June 9, 2025. Photo: Carlie Walker

Three weeks after she was reported missing, Pheobe’s two housemates James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, who were allegedly the last people to see her alive, were charged with murdering the teen.

They were also charged with two counts each of interfering with a corpse.

They remain before the courts, and have not entered any pleas.

Soon after they were arrested, human remains were located in Good Night Scrub National Park by authorities.

It is expected to take several days before police will be able to confirm whether or not the remains belong to the missing girl.

Up to 400 people gather at the vigil for alleged murder victim, Pheobe Bishop in Bundaberg on Monday, June 9, 2025. Photo: Carlie Walker

This event marked the second vigil in two days, with Pheobe’s mother surprising the crowd after calling for respect and support for the family of one of her daughter’s alleged killers at a sunset gathering in Gin Gin on Sunday afternoon.

Kylie Johnson said she knew Ms Bromley’s family lived within the community and she felt they deserved respect and support as it was not their decision making that led to Pheobe’s disappearance and death.

Originally published as Hundreds gather to remember alleged murder victim Pheobe Bishop in Bundaberg