Broken Ballerina merchandise worth hundreds unpaid by PGA’s Andrew Farrow

The founder of a charity dedicated to helping women flee from domestic violence was forced to take a pro-golfer to tribunal over an unpaid bill.

A domestic violence organisation dedicated to helping women gave merch worth hundreds to a pro-golfer’s Airlie Beach shop, but was left with an unpaid invoice for nearly two years until his businesses went into liquidation.

A pro-golfer whose Airlie Beach businesses recently went into liquidation and had left a charity’s invoice unpaid was taken to a tribunal to recoup the money.

Andrew Farrow’s businesses registered under The World Is Pty Ltd – including Pro Shop Whitsunday, Airlie Beach Golf, and Shuckz Oyster Bar – entered into liquidation on July 24, while owing creditors more than $100,000.

Jules Thompson, who founded domestic violence charity Broken Ballerina, said she first met Mr Farrow at a golf event in September, 2021 where he offered to buy their merchandise to sell at his businesses.

Hats, golf balls and towels were supplied in late 2021 but Ms Thompson said the $670 bill was never paid.

Ms Thompson said the money could have been used “for so many things”, as the charity did not receive government funding.

“That’s a few nights in a motel for someone, that’s groceries for someone who’s fled domestic violence and has no food,” she said.

“That’s a plane ticket to safety.

Broken Ballerina Foundation director Jules Thompson with a fellow victim of domestic violence at the Red Rose Rally in Mackay this year.

“When it’s a charity that helps people … it leaves a foul taste in your mouth.”

Ms Thompson said the unpaid invoice was doubly disappointing, considering Broken Ballerina had supported Mr Farrow’s friend in their hour of need.

Whitsunday pro golfer Andrew Farrow. Picture: Whitsunday Green.

“(We) got her straight into a rental property,” Ms Thompson said.

Mr Farrow emailed Broken Ballerina on March 17, 2022, apologising for “not getting this invoice sorted sooner” as he was “especially grateful to you guys for all the help you have given my friend”.

He wrote he struggled with depression for the past year and “found it difficult to keep in touch with people, avoiding phone calls and socialising (but) things (had) improved alot [sic] with medication”.

Airlie Beach Golf's Andrew Farrow. Picture: Keagan Ryan / Whitsunday Times

In the email, Mr Farrow assured he would “get payment thru [sic] in the next 48 hours”.

Ms Thompson said after she received no response to further emails, she filed a QCAT application in April, 2022.

A tribunal found Mr Farrow liable and ordered him to pay the $670 debt as well as $80.65 in court costs.

The Pro Shop when still active.

Ms Thompson said Mr Farrow did not respond to the order, and made no offer to pay them or return the merchandise.

But she maintained he “could have just reached out to us”.

“(If he had picked up the phone,) given us a bit of common decency and let us know what’s going on, we would have been more than understanding,” Ms Thompson said.

“I know what it’s like to lose everything.”

The Pro Shop Whitsunday in Paluma Rd, Cannonvale. Photo: Estelle Sanchez

Mr Farrow did not respond to requests for comment but Ms Thompson received an email on Saturday, August 19.

“Please find attached 1st [sic] payment for your outstanding monies,” Mr Farrow wrote.

“I cannot apologise enough for not being able to pay your invoice, I have been getting treatment for my depression over the last few weeks since closing the business and now have a job driving a taxi at night to support my family.

“Now I have an income I will be able to pay you guys $200 per week to honour this debt.

“I feel horrible for my actions and appreciate the amazing work you guys do. Hope you can forgive me while I get my life back on track.”

Ms Thompson said she was “very happy” Mr Farrow was now “doing the right thing”.

“I actually do forgive him, we forgive him, and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”