The closure was announced 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.

The White Ribbon Ballarat committee is run independently to White Ribbon Australia, meaning it will not be affected by the shutdown of the national organisation.

White Ribbon Ballarat chairman Peter Beckwith told The Courier the Ballarat committee was formed in the early 2000s before the establishment of White Ribbon Australia.

"Ballarat was one of first communities to form a White Ribbon committee," he said.

"We will continue on as White Ribbon Ballarat. We plan to go on with plans for White Ribbon Day events and community work as we have done in the past."

White Ribbon Ballarat was originally formed as a committee of members representing organisations involved in family violence and women's health.

The body was incorporated four years ago and nine committee members now represent members of the community rather than organisations.

The group runs White Ribbon Day events, a number of community talks each year, facilitates an annual White Ribbon Football game in partnership with the Ballarat North Football Club and sponsors a play about men's attitudes to women to travel to Ballarat schools.

Mr Beckwith said he joined the White Ribbon Ballarat committee seven years ago after hearing a White Ribbon talk at his workplace.

"I have seven children, four are daughters and I now have 11 grandchildren and many of them are girls," he said.

"I didn't realise how big the problem was and thought I had better do something about this to promote awareness of domestic violence and women's health."

Mr Beckwith said there had been improvements in community attitudes and awareness about men's violence against women in Ballarat since he joined the committee, but there was a long way to go.

"I think there is a long way to go which is why I am really upset White Ribbon Australia has closed," he said.

"I think we are not anywhere near where we need to be in our community, but there have been improvements.

"White Ribbon will keep going in Ballarat. There are committees in other regional centres like Bendigo and in Melbourne, we may need to find some way of joining up with them."

Federation University family violence researcher Associate Professor Elisa Zentveld said it was incredibly disappointing to see White Ribbon Australia go into voluntary liquidation.

"Whilst the company is being liquidated, this does not mean that the purpose of it has to be liquidated. The organisation has played an important role to improve education on family violence," she said.

"Many organisations have undertaken policy improvements to support victims of family violence such as leave for family violence issues and make it clear that it is essential to behave in a respectful manner. There is no reason why workplaces, schools, and individuals, cannot continue pushing for the goal of having a society where women and children can live free from violence and abuse."

Associate Professor Zentveld will lead a panel presentation at Federation University on White Ribbon Day providing information on how technology can be a risk for victims of family violence.

READ MORE: Technology can be a risk for victims of family violence

The foundation for White Ribbon Australia was established in 2007 and Australian entertainer and former lawyer Andrew O'Keefe was named chair of the board.

Worrels Solvency and Forensic Accountants firm is handling the liquidation.

Read the full White Ribbon Australia statement below:

"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 governments 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.

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."

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