The decision was made by stakeholders at a general meeting that White Ribbon would be “wound up” with liquidators appointed. A statement issued to ASIC this afternoon confirmed the organisation’s fate, while another statement from the board 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.
This decision became necessary following an analysis of the organisation’s future sustainability.
White Ribbon Australia has been proud to serve alongside so many dedicated partner organisations, grassroots communities and government in the important work of ending men’s violence against women.
We want to acknowledge those communities around Australia who have been part of the White Ribbon movement – from the dedicated staff, Ambassadors, Advocates, and Committees, to schools and teachers, sports clubs, workplaces and individual members of the community.
They likewise urged anyone or any organisation still planning arrangements for the charity’s central day, ‘White Ribbon Day’ to move ahead with those plans.
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.
Even though White Ribbon Australia’s journey ends here, we know that the work of our partners and communities will continue. Eliminating men’s violence against women must remain a priority.”
It’s been a tumultuous 12 months for the charity which last year lost several key sponsors as well as four directors.
Nicholas Cowdery, one of the organisations directors was forced to quit after The ABC aired controversial comments he’d made about convicted infant killer Kelli Lane.
While Tracey McLeod Howe, resigned from her post as Chief Executive three weeks after White Ribbon withdrew a statement saying “all women should have complete control over their reproductive and sexual health”.
The decision to withdraw the pivotal statement angered many and left McLeod Howe in a precarious position who later told Buzzfeed: “We are agnostic until our stakeholders tell us it is important to most of them.”
On Thursday afternoon, McLeod Howe published a post on Facebook in response to the organisation’s liquidation:
“This place was a financial mess for years before me,” she wrote. “Don’t spend more than you make. And don’t look for scapegoats.”
Current CEO, Delia Donovan is yet to make a statement publicly.