‘Support them’: Mum’s surprise speech at Pheobe Bishop vigil

The mother of Pheobe Bishop has called for respect and support for the family of one of her accused killers, as hundreds of people gathered to remember the teenager. SEE THE VIDEO

The mother of Pheobe Bishop has called for the tight-knit Gin Gin community not to retaliate against the family of one of her daughter’s alleged murderers.

Kylie Johnson’s gracious call for calm amid the “absolute hell” of losing her daughter came as hundreds gathered at a sunset vigil to remember the life of the slain 17-year-old.

Pheobe’s two housemates James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, have been charged with murdering the teen.

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

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

Human remains have since been located in Good Night Scrub National Park by authorities, but it is expected to take days before Queensland Police can say if they belong to Pheobe.

Family and friends of Pheobe spoke of the teen’s rambunctious spirit, penchant for unashamedly voicing her opinions and fierce loyalty to those she loved most.

Ms Johnson, flanked by her daughter Kaylea, said Pheobe made no apologies for her wild heart.

She said her daughter “left normal and regular to explore the outskirts of magical and extraordinary” and that she would be remembered for that brilliance.

Pheobe’s mum kylie Johnson addresses the crowd on Sunday. Picture: Paul Beutel

Ms Johnson also called for the Gin Gin community to respect the family of Ms Bromley, going so far as to call for the Bromley family to be provided “just as much” support as Pheobe’s.

The families of those charged have not been accused of any wrongdoing.

“This is imperative for our family and for us to move forward in our healing. I know Tanika has been charged,” Ms Johnson said.

“I know her family live within our community, and from living within our community, I expect them to receive respect, and I expect them to receive the respect that they deserve they have not made the decisions that this woman is accused of.”

Pheobe’s sister Kaylea Bishop said Pheobe saw the good in everyone. Picture: Paul Beutel

The emotional vigil at Kolan Community Park comes after a whirlwind three weeks for the tight knit town, sparked by the disappearance of Pheobe on May 15.

The 17-year-old had been due to fly from Bundaberg to Perth via Brisbane that day to visit her boyfriend in Western Australia, but police believe she never boarded the plane.

Her boyfriend Levi, in a statement read out by a relative at the vigil, said Pheobe’s “absence echoes louder than words can say”.

“17 years a brief dance of light. Yet in that time, you touched hearts in many ways that will never fade,” he wrote.

Flowers at the vigil. Picture: Paul Beutel

“You were a spark, bright, bold and unafraid, as her family has shared with us today, a soul who embraced life with open arms now in the stillness we hold on to the warmth of your spirit, the kindness in your eyes and the joy in your smile.

“Though your journey was cut short, your impact endures with every whispered memory, with every tear shed and every heart that carries you forward, you live on rest now, dear Phoebe, in the peace you deserve and know that you are loved forever and always. Love from Levi.”

Pheobe’s sister Kaylea Bishop at Sunday’s vigil. Picture: Paul Beutel

Pheobe’s sister Kaylea choked back tears as she told the crowd 17 years “was never enough for our life”.

“But in the short 17 years that she was with us, god she gave us a run for our bloody money. She was a cutthroat person, but she seen the good in everyone,” she said.

Some of Pheobe’s favourite songs were played at the vigil, as a way to celebrate her. Picture: Paul Beutel

“If she had opinion about you, you were sure to find out about it, whether you liked it or not, but that’s just the way Phoebe was. But she was loyal to the core, to everybody she loved, respected and valued in her life.”

The crowd at Sunday’s vigil. Picture: Paul Beutel

A second candlelight vigil will be held for Pheobe Bishop at Buss Park, Bourbong Street in Bundaberg at 5pm on Monday, June 9.

Floral tributes outside Pheobe’s Gin Gin house after remains were found by police searching for her. Picture: Liam Kidston

Residents are invited to wear bright colours and butterflies and bring a candle

Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn has led her community through one of the darkest chapters in its history – not only the disappearance of Pheobe but also the shocking loss of a three-year-old Sophia Rose who was stabbed to death by her mother at Moore Park Beach – has spoken to Ms Johnson multiple times.

“I think as a community we’re all wondering what’s happened, what’s happened to our kind, considerate (community)– our community doesn’t feel like what it is normally, and I know that that’s how everyone’s feeling. “But we are a kind community, and we are a community that will come together when times are tough.”

Originally published as ‘Support them’: Mum’s surprise speech at Pheobe Bishop vigil