White Ribbon Australia, a charity established to prevent violence against women, is shutting down.
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The shock closure was announced yesterday after an "analysis of the organisation's future sustainability".
"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," a statement posted to White Ribbon's website said.
The organisation, which was established in 2007, went into liquidation on Wednesday 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.
Former Wodonga mayor Mark Byatt, who's been a White Ribbon Day ambassador since 2013, was left saddened by the news.
"It's very disappointing, it's quite a surprise, especially given the focus on family violence in the community," he said.
"I'm not sure what organisation or agency will fill the void but certainly something is needed to maintain that focus on the issue.
"Work needs to continue in that space, we need to continue to create a strategy to stop domestic violence and continue to raise awareness."
White Ribbon's latest financial report, lodged with the charity regulator in March, revealed it was in the red by more than $840,827, despite a total revenue of more than $6 million.
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It spent $7 million on staff and suppliers in the financial year to June 2018 compared with $4.9 million the year before, when it reported a profit of $298,481.
The outfit had also come under fire in recent years for controversial decisions including accepting money from a Sydney hotel seeking government approval for poker machines.
White Ribbon took the money in December 2017 but later declined it after realising the donation was being used as part of a licence application.
Last year the charity stripped then-NSW Labor leader Luke Foley of his ambassador role after accusations he indecently touched a female journalist.
Worrels Solvency and Forensic Accountants firm is handling the liquidation.
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