The Sanctuary Women, Children and Pet’s Refuge closes doors for good

Eight years of “blood, sweat and tears” has come to a heartbreaking end following the closure of one of the city’s most celebrated refuge centres. FULL STORY

Eight years of “blood, sweat and tears” has come to a heartbreaking end following the closure of The Sanctuary Women, Children and Pet’s Refuge.

The non-for-profit organisation closed last month according to a Facebook post from CEO, Gold Coast OAM recipient and Gold Coast Australian of the Year 2024 finalist Simone Patterson.

She cited the closure of the southern Gold Coast facility to ill health after a “serious assault” involving a client of the facility.

Simone Patterson, Angels Among Us Gold Coast Women of the Year magazine. Picture: Kit Wise

The founder posted a heartfelt goodbye to Facebook where she said the past eight years took its toll, but said she was grateful to have been able to provide a safe haven for countless victims of domestic violence.

“I have given it my best and it’s been a hard struggle,” she wrote.

“It took a toll on myself and my family, including a 23-year marriage. In saying all of this, I’m glad I started the refuge and I’m glad to have watched so many women and their families leave in a better place having had a safe haven to catch their breath and regroup with lots of love and support.”

Ms Patterson said her body had not recovered from the “serious assault” in December last year, which she said broke her both physically and mentally.

Simone Patterson. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I have had one surgery due to this assault and waiting for a further three,” she wrote.

“I’ve never been the same since the serious assault and unfortunately, I am not able to continue on this journey.”

The philanthropist went on to thank a list of people including the many volunteers who kept “everything ticking over”.

Originally published as The Sanctuary Women, Children and Pet’s Refuge closes doors for good