White Ribbon Australia to close after shock announcement

Domestic violence awareness organisation White Ribbon Australia has announced its shock closure, saying the decision to shut down was “very difficult”. It comes after the charity’s parlous financial state was revealed earlier this year.

White Ribbon Australia is shutting down. File image

The White Ribbon Australia organisation, established to prevent violence against women, is shutting down.

The organisation announced its end after an “analysis of the organisation’s future sustainability”, an online statement read.

“It is with profound sadness that the board of White Ribbon Australia informs the community and supporters that it has taken the very difficult decision to close its doors,” the statement said.

The organisation went into liquidation ahead of White Ribbon Day on November 22.

“For all those who are already planning for White Ribbon Day, we encourage you to continue with those plans alongside the international White Ribbon movement. Continue to raise your voice,” the board said.

It comes months after it was revealed that the charity was in a parlous financial state and in the red by more than $840,000, according to its latest financial report.

Detailed financial reports lodged with the charity regulator earlier this year showed a blowout in employee and supplier costs by an extraordinary $2.1 million over the previous year’s figures.

Several sponsors last year pulled out and four directors also quit, including former NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery.

MORE NEWS

GUNMAN’S PLAN TO HAVE PREGNANT EX KILLED

EURYDICE’S KILLER TO APPEAL LIFE SENTENCE

SETKA’S WIFE ADMITS TO DRINK-DRIVING

Former White Ribbon chief executive Tracy McLeod Howe only lasted three months before she was forced out in November by a board that “did not back her vision” for change.

The foundation for the charity was established in 2007, with Australian entertainer and former lawyer Andrew O’Keefe named chair of the board.

White Ribbon relied on public donations and sponsorship and only received 10 per cent of its funds from the government.

Worrels Solvency and Forensic Accountants firm is handling the liquidation.

More to come

Originally published as White Ribbon Australia to close after shock announcement