Levinia Crooks to receive ACON President’s Award

The work of Levinia Crooks, one of Australia’s leading HIV advocates, will be recognised with a special accolade at the 2015 Honour Awards, NSW’s annual celebration of outstanding achievements within or contributions to NSW’s LGBTI* community.

Ms Crooks will be honoured with the ACON President’s Award in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people affected by HIV and AIDS.

Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Society of HIV Medicine (ASHM), Ms Crooks has been a leader in Australia’s response to HIV and AIDS for 25 years and has worked in a variety of professional and volunteer roles in both the community, clinical and research sectors.

Ms Crooks has steered the work of ASHM for over 15 years, has a longstanding senior involvement with HIV support agency the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, and has made significant contributions to several other HIV related organisations including the National Association of People Living With HIV/AIDS and the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations. She is also a past president of ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation.

Ms Crooks’ award is in addition to eight other awards being contested by 30 finalists at the Ivy Ballroom in Sydney on Wednesday 30 September as part of the annual gala fundraising event for ACON and LGBTI charity Aurora.

ACON President Mark Orr says Ms Crooks is a worthy recipient of the special award. “Levinia Crooks’ contribution to our community has been truly exceptional and we’re delighted that we can pay tribute to her service with this much-deserved honour,” Mr Orr says.

“Her work at local, national and international levels has been extraordinary not only in relation to HIV prevention but also with respect to the provision of treatment, support and advocacy for people living with, at risk of and affected by HIV and AIDS. Having improved the lives of tens of thousands of people here in Australia, she is a genuine hero and ACON is proud to be acknowledging her in this way.”

“We expect the evening will be a truly memorable occasion for Levinia as well as our inspirational finalists and all our guests whose attendance we’ll be honouring with a wonderful celebration of our community.”

Guests will be treated throughout the evening to wines, beers, and gourmet canapés. Guests will also be able to pick up a bargain at the silent auction which features over $100,000 worth of luxury items.