28 November 1960 – 16 October 2017
It is with great sadness that the Board and staff of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) announces the passing of Adjunct Associate Professor Levinia Crooks, AM on 16th October 2017 after a long and courageously fought illness. Levinia was 56 and is survived by her mother, Judy.
Levinia’s contribution to the work of ASHM has been untiring, far-reaching, extraordinary and exemplary. She was Chief Executive Officer from November 1999 to September 2017 and has been a leading advocate in the Australasian and international BBV and STI field.
Levinia served for over 30 years as a champion for people’s rights in the health sector. She began in the 1980s supporting her friends and colleagues impacted by HIV/AIDS, conducting social research to inform the development of counselling and support services for people living with HIV. She also served as President of the AIDS Council of NSW and Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, as well as on the Board of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations.
She applied her considerable experience and skills to push for dramatic changes in the viral hepatitis response and greater attention to sexual health needs. Her drive and focus on the needs of the workforce in HIV, viral hepatitis and sexual health pioneered ASHM as a provider of high quality resources and training. In this capacity she has written a wide range of educational resources and provided robust advocacy for many initiatives that resulted in increased access to HIV and viral hepatitis treatments.
In 2008 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to HIV policy, her care for people with HIV and her contribution to health generally. In 2015 she was further honoured with the ACON President’s Award in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Levinia leaves us all a major and extensive legacy to carry forward and build upon, with countless lives in our region positively impacted by her energetic, pragmatic, visionary, brave and can-do approach. Moreover she will be remembered as a warm and generous friend to so many ready to roll her sleeves up, get on with the work at hand and bringing her formidable intelligence, wit and problem solving abilities to the table.
Vale Levinia! You are sorely missed.
Download our Tributes
THE SUM OF US: Collective reflections on a remarkable woman, Levinia Crooks AM
Following the path of a leader in public health by Professor Sharon Lewin [PDF]
Levinia Crooks understood the power of community [PDF]
The true definition of an ally - a reflection of Levinia Crooks [PDF]
In Memoriam Adjunct Associate Professor Levinia Crooks, AM by A/Prof Edwina Wright
A/Prof Edwina Wright (Infectious Diseases Specialist at Alfred Health, Burnet Institute, Peter Doherty Institute) at 2017 Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference delivered a memorial to Levinia.
Parliamentary Adjournment—Levinia Crooks and Neville Fazulla on 13 February 2018
As Chair of the Parliamentary Liaison Group for HIV/AIDS, Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections, Western Australian Senator Dean Smith paid tribute to two inspiring leaders—Levinia Crooks and Neville Fazulla—who were "trailblazers instrumental in the fight against HIV” in a parliamentary address on 13 February 2018.
Events held for Levinia
- Perth 31st October 2017 (4:30 – 6pm): Held at The Vic Hotel (226 Hay St, Subiaco WA)
- Canberra 6-8th November 2017: A celebration and appreciation was held at the Australasian HIV&AIDS Conference
- Sydney 24th November 2017 (6pm): Held at The Rex (50-58 MacLeay Street, Potts Point)
- Melbourne 30th November 2017 (6-8:30pm): Held at The Alfred (AMREP Education Centre Seminar Room) 89 Commercial Rd Melbourne, VIC 3004
