Latest news with #Smiley'sSupportServices
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Pheobe's mum hits back at cruel claims
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. Kylie Johnson and her daughter Pheobe Bishop, whose death is the subject of ongoing murder charges against her housemates James Wood and Tanika Bromley. Picture Facebook Credit: Supplied 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.' The Gin Gin community gathered for a vigil in Pheobe's honour. NewsWire / Paul Beutel Credit: News Corp Australia 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.' Pheobe was reported missing in May 2025. Her remains were believed to have been found three weeks later. Credit: Supplied 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.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- 7NEWS
Pheobe Bishop's mother hits back at rumours about disability support business
The mother of Pheobe Bishop has hit back at online allegations about her business as she revealed her daughter lived with a disability. Kylie Johnson and her disability support business, Smiley's Support Services, have recently come under scrutiny as online rumours swirled in the wake of her daughter's alleged murder. It reportedly began circulating that Bishop was an NDIS recipient through her mother's company, with claims that the business was not registered with the national scheme. There were also rumours that the business, based in Gin Gin in Bundaberg, would be closing. Johnson has now publicly addressed the claims, saying her company would be operating as normal. 'Imagine people from your own industry using this tragedy to benefit themselves?? After 23 years of working between the disability and aged care sector, I'm actually pretty disappointed,' she said. 'My journey started as a carer, cleaner and worked in dementia specific units and aged care homes. 'I've worked and studied for the last 23 years to be professionally where I am today. '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.' Johnson said her business was last audited in June 2024 and it met NDIS industry standards. 'This has given my staff a high level of confidence and transparency in their service delivery,' she said. 'Team Smiley's won't let the bullies and trolls WIN and even though I'm not there at the moment, this company has an amazing team that continues to go above and beyond for everyone.' She then went on to confirm that her daughter had lived with a disability, but did not provide any further details. 'Phee never let (her disability) define her,' Johnson said. Bishop's housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, have been charged with one count of murder and two counts of interfering with a corpse. Human remains believed to belong to Bishop were discovered in dense bushland in an area of Good Night Scrub Park, south of Gin Gin, last week. The teenager had been reported missing since May 15 after failing to board a plane at Bundaberg Airport to visit her boyfriend in Western Australia. Investigations into Bishop's cause of death are ongoing.
