Pheobe Bishop's mum denies exploiting daughter's death

News.com.au

13-06-2025

Pheobe Bishop's mother has responded to damaging claims circulating online following a now-deleted Facebook post that accused her of profiting from her daughter's death.
Kylie Johnson, owner and director of Smiley's Support Services, took to Facebook to respond to a now-deleted post, reported by NewsMail, in a community group dedicated to Pheobe's memory. The post accused her of 'using' her daughter's name and claimed she needed carers only to earn more money.
The family reportedly declined to comment directly on the post, which was widely condemned by supporters.
Pheobe, 17, was reported missing in May 2025. Her remains were believed to have been found three weeks later.
Two people she had been living with at a rented property in Gin Gin, James Wood and Tanika Bromley, have since been charged with her murder.
The case has attracted national media attention and reignited debate over the protection of vulnerable NDIS participants.
Ms Johnson has been vocal about the need for greater transparency in the sector but said the tragedy had also made her a target for online attacks.
'Imagine people from your own industry using this tragedy to benefit themselves?' she wrote in the post.
'After 23 years of working between the disability and aged care sector I'm actually pretty disappointed.'
Ms Johnson said she began her career as a carer and cleaner in dementia-specific and aged care units before building her own business.
'My company was established at the same time our NDIS registration was applied for. We were approved for all levels of support that we provide,' she said.
'Our last audit in June 2024 was completed as per the NDIS Guidelines … with beautiful feedback.'
Addressing rumours that Smiley's Support Services was shutting down, she confirmed the business remained operational, with only some services experiencing a waitlist.
'We'd like to assure you all that Smiley's has NO intention of closing,' she wrote.
'Even if we were considering this, our clients would be contacted immediately.'
She praised her team's dedication, saying they continued to go 'above and beyond' despite the challenges.
Ms Johnson also thanked members of the community for their ongoing support, including Wade from Smithie's Karaoke and DJ Hire who volunteered his time to help with candlelight vigils held in Pheobe's honour.
'Phee would have loved this because besides Wade lives with his own super powers … he runs numerous business ventures and WOW, he's kicking goals,' she wrote.
Ms Johnson ended her message with a tribute to her daughter's resilience.
'Your disability only defines you if you allow it to, and Phee never let hers define her' she wrote.