An intensive search effort is underway for 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop, who has been missing for more than a week. Police have now enlisted the help of tracking dogs and the Bundaberg-based LifeFlight rescue helicopter as they scour dense bushland in Good Night Scrub National Park, located around 360 kilometres north of Brisbane.
Pheobe was last seen on the morning of May 15 on her way to Bundaberg Airport, but never entered the terminal or boarded her scheduled flight to Brisbane. The national park lies over an hour southwest of Bundaberg and about 40 minutes south of her home in Gin Gin.
Community Shines a Light of Hope
Pheobe’s mother, Kylie Johnson, made a heartfelt social media plea for households across the region to turn on their lights to help “guide” her daughter home. On Saturday evening, homes across Wide Bay responded, illuminating their properties in solidarity.
In her post, Ms Johnson recalled Pheobe’s special bond with her late grandfather, who affectionately called her “Flea” — a name only he and her mother used.
“When Pop passed away, your world shattered, and so did your siblings’,” she wrote.
“The lights are on the house and across the continent … You’ve travelled many places, baby girl.
I’m praying they guide you back — to me, to your siblings, to our family.”
Ms Johnson reaffirmed the family’s determination to find Pheobe, vowing, “We won’t give up.”
On International Missing Children’s Day, she also urged others to leave lights on in honour of all missing children. “Every single one of our babies deserves to come home,” she said.
Forensic Teams Search Remote Bushland
The search in Good Night Scrub National Park began Friday and has since expanded, with police divers exploring waterways and forensic teams collecting evidence. Officers were seen placing items into brown paper bags on Saturday, though they have not confirmed whether the items are linked to Pheobe’s disappearance.
Police are now seeking information from anyone who may have been on Mingo or Gayndah roads, and confirmed that homicide detectives are supporting the investigation.
The escalation in search efforts follows the establishment of two crime scenes last Wednesday — one at the Gin Gin residence where Pheobe had been living, and another involving a grey Hyundai, believed to be the vehicle that took her to the airport.
As of now, no arrests have been made.
Description and Appeal for Information
Pheobe is described as:
- Approximately 180 cm tall
- Pale complexion
- Long, dyed red hair
- Hazel eyes
She was last seen wearing a green tank top, grey sweatpants, and was carrying luggage.
Authorities and her family are urging anyone with information to come forward as the search continues.
