The Bob Elphick Medal commemorates the exceptional achievements of former ACOSH President, Dr Bob Elphick, and is awarded annually to a person or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to tobacco control in Western Australia or nationally.
Assistant Director General, Clinical Excellence Division, Dr James Williamson, presented the award and credited Dr Sullivan for her untiring commitment to tobacco control for more than 25 years in Western Australia.
Denise’s first job in the Department of Health was as Coordinator of the graphic Quit Campaign after which she established what went on to become the Make Smoking History campaign at the Cancer Council.
While at the Cancer Council, Denise also completed her PhD in public health from UWA.
Denise returned to the Department in 2010 as Director of Chronic Disease Prevention, and this year has stepped up to act in the role of Assistant Director General.
The Elphick Medal is awarded annually in memory of Dr Bob Elphick, a pioneering chest physician who was President of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health from its inception in 1971 and remained a driving force in tobacco control and advocacy throughout his life.
Congratulations to Denise for her energy and dedication to program and policy development in public health.