Sarah Dunn – Justice Services Manager

What do you do at Karralika?

I am the Justice Services Manager. Karralika currently has three programs in the Justice space.

Solaris is a voluntary AOD treatment program for adult males detained in the Alexander Maconochie Centre based on the Therapeutic Community Model

Justice Services Counselling provides one on one, AOD specific, counselling to people in the community who are involved with the justice system. This can include people who have been incarcerated and those on community orders.

REVersed is a drink drug driving educational course for people who have been charged with driving under the influence. It is specifically targeted for people who need an intervention to have their licence reinstated.

What do you like about working at Karralika?

What I enjoy most about working at Karralika is the diversity of the role and the opportunity to stay connected to both practice and strategy. That diversity is what initially drew me to Karralika, and it continues to energise my work.

No two days are the same — I might begin the day in a morning meeting with the Solaris community, move into a stakeholder discussion with our partners at ACT Corrective Services, spend time developing service proposals or writing reports, and then participate in practice reflection with Karralika teams.

I feel fortunate to be able to draw on my sector knowledge and experience to support Karralika’s growth as an organisation, contribute to the broader AOD sector, and work alongside a team of passionate people who are committed to supporting our most vulnerable community members.

What is your background?

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work and am a values-driven leader with a strong commitment to social justice, equity and meaningful outcomes for people and communities. I am experienced leading initiatives, shaping strategy, and delivering sustainable results, underpinned by a deep respect for the people I work with.

I am known for combining strategic insight with practical, compassionate leadership — partnering authentically with stakeholders, supporting teams through change, and strengthening performance in ways that are both effective and ethical. My leadership is underpinned by clear communication, sound judgment, and a long-term view of impact rather than short-term gain.

I am incredibly passionate about supporting teams to deliver high-quality, person-centred services to vulnerable people, and about empowering individuals to recognise their strengths, grow in confidence, and step into leadership. Developing capable, values-aligned leaders for the future is central to how I work.