A fundraiser backed by Pheobe Bishop’s family has been organised to support local volunteer groups in what they hope will be a fitting legacy for the 17-year-old.
Pheobe went missing on her way to Bundaberg airport in southern Queensland on May 15.
Her housemates James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged with her murder on June 6, more than three weeks after Pheobe disappeared.
Officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager’s remains later that day near a national park, an hour’s drive from Bundaberg airport.
The community rallied around Pheobe’s family, with hundreds attending two emotional candlelight vigils.
Family friend Tracey Berends hoped the fundraiser would help return the love.
She organised the GoFundMe campaign that has received the family’s backing, with money to be raised for local volunteer and not-for-profit groups.
Phoebe’s mother Kylie Johnson and her sister Kaylea at a candlelit vigil for Phoebe
Mourners attend a vigil for the suspected murdered Pheobe Bishop in Gin Gin, in Bundaberg
Pheobe Bishop’s family want to give back to the community who helped search for her
More than $7,000 had been donated by Friday morning, with the local SES volunteer group and Pheobe’s former school set to benefit.
‘The GoFundMe was created after speaking with Pheobe’s family with the sole purpose of supporting local charities and volunteer organisations that were involved in the search for her, particularly the SES,’ Ms Berends told AAP.
‘These volunteers worked tirelessly on their hands and knees through difficult terrain and did so without expecting anything in return.
‘It’s important to the family that these selfless efforts are acknowledged and supported in Pheobe’s name.’
Pheobe’s former school – the not-for-profit learning centre Y School in Bundaberg that is assisted by volunteers – has also been earmarked for the fundraiser.
‘There is absolutely no financial gain being taken by the family,’ Ms Berends said.
‘Their only hope is to create something beautiful and lasting in remembrance of Pheobe, a way to honour her kind, gentle spirit and the impact she had on so many lives.’
Pheobe’s mother Kylie Johnson said the fundraiser was a way to acknowledge a school where her daughter thrived, as well as the SES volunteers who helped ‘bring our baby home’.
‘I’ve even had a few (SES volunteers) approach me with hugs and sorrys that they couldn’t get her home sooner to us. They didn’t give up and they got her back to us!’ she posted on Facebook.
