Shock twist in Pheobe Bishop fundraiser as her mother comes out swinging against organiser: ‘This hasn’t been approved’

Pheobe Bishop’s grieving mother has lashed out at a fundraiser claiming to raise money for the family, saying she has not approved it. 

Kylie Johnson took aim at the GoFundMe created in her daughter’s name after authorities found human remains in the search for the missing teenager at Good Night National Scrub Park on Friday afternoon.

‘This hasn’t been approved or supported by the family,’ Ms Johnson wrote on Facebook. 

The fundraiser set a target of $10,000, however only managed to draw in $24 worth of donations by the time it was called out by Ms Johnson.

It has since been deleted, however another campaign has appeared in its place and received $50 in donations. 

The organiser admitted they were organising the GoFundMe ‘independently’ of Pheobe’s loved ones.

‘Contributions will assist in covering the time, resources, and necessary costs involved in facilitating public memorial efforts, raising awareness and coordinating community-driven support initiatives surrounding this event,’ it stated.

‘Professional time and administrative expenses related to the responsible management of this campaign and its associated activities will also be covered from these funds.’

Pheobe Bishop’s mother, Kylie Johnson (pictured together), slammed an unapproved GoFundMe made in her daughter’s name

Pheobe, 17, was declared missing on May 15 after she failed to check-in for a flight from Bundaberg Airport (pictured, tributes outside her Gin Gin home)

Ms Johnson (left) urged those looking to help to donate to a GoFundMe created Tracey Berends

The genuine fundraiser is being handled by Tracey Berends and has raised more than $5,000.

‘After speaking with Pheobe’s family, we have decided to honour her memory in a way that reflects the compassion and light she brought into the lives of so many,’ Ms bends wrote.

‘This GoFundMe has been created as a way for our community to donate and support the services like the SES who volunteer their time without reimbursement and have played an integral part of finding missing loved one’s in our community.

‘We would also like to be able to donate to the Y School in Bundaberg on Pheobe’s behalf where Pheobe thrived from their support and guidance.’

Ms Bend went on to describe Pheobe as ‘a gentle soul and a generous spirit’.

‘We want her legacy to live on and by paying it forward to the amazing volunteers and community,’ she said.

‘All funds raised will be donated to these carefully chosen community groups that work to support our Wide Bay community.’

‘This is more than a fundraiser – this is a tribute to a beautiful life, and a call to action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.’

Pheobe’s sister Kaylea (pictured) said the teenager ‘loved, respected, and valued her life’

The genuine GoFundMe will donate raised funds to the local SES and Y School in Bundaberg, which Pheobe attended (pictured, SES members at the vigil on Sunday)

Pheobe, 17, was declared missing on May 15 after she failed to check-in for a flight from Bundaberg Airport to Western Australia to visit her boyfriend.

On Friday, officers found what were believed to be the teenager’s remains near Good Night National Scrub Park.

The find was made in ‘unforgiving’ terrain southwest of Bundaberg. Investigators are also trying to recover the teenager’s missing luggage but are expected to wind up their efforts on Saturday evening.

Pheobe had been living in Gin Gin with couple James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, who have since been charged with Pheobe’s murder and interfering with her corpse.

The community held a candlelight vigil at Kolan Community Park in Gin Gin between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday with about 500 mourners wearing bright colours and butterflies in memory of Pheobe.

A second candlelight vigil will be held at Buss Park in nearby Bundaberg on Monday from 5pm.

During the moving vigil, Pheobe’s sister Kaylea, 18, gave a tearful tribute in honour of her sister.

A second vigil will follow Sunday’s (pictured) and be held in Bundaberg on Monday from 5pm

The vigil in Gin Gin on Sunday (pictured) heard from several of Pheobe’s loved ones

‘Obviously, I didn’t write a speech, but, um… Pheobe! 17 years was never enough for your life,’ she said.

‘But in the short 17 years that she was with us, god, she gave us a run for our bloody money… She was cutthroat person, but she saw the good in everyone. 

‘If she had a opinion about you, you were sure to find out about it, whether you liked it or not. That’s just the way Pheobe was, but she was loyal to the core. 

‘She loved, respected, and valued her life.’

Kaylea thanked all those who attended the candlelight vigil before being left unable to continue as she burst into tears.  

Indy, a relative of Pheobe’s boyfriend, was present at the vigil and shared some words on his behalf.

‘In the quiet space where your laughter once lived, your absence echoes louder than words can say,’ Indy told the crowd.

‘Seventeen years, a brief dance of light, yet in that time you touched hearts in many ways that will never fade.

Pheobe had been living at a home in Gin Gin (pictured) with her accused murderers James Wood and Tanika Bromley

The community held a candlelight vigil at Kolan Community Park in Gin Gin where mourners danced (pictured) and reflected on the teenager’s life

Wood (right) and Bromley (left) were charged with murder and two counts of interfering with a corpse

‘You were a spark – bright, bold, and unafraid, as her family have 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, the joy and your smile. 

‘Your journey was cut short, but your impact is yours, 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, I know that you are loved forever and always.’

Ms Johnson urged the Gin Gin community to ‘respect’ Bromley’s family following the charges against her.

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